PART 1


"Whoever wrote this episode should DIE!"  - Gwen DeMarco


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_

        Omega leaned back in his chair on the _Galactica's_
bridge.  Closing his eyes he listened to the sounds around him,
the steady rumble of the engines, the muted electronic chatter of
the consoles, the light tapping of the operators' fingers upon the
controls.  Listening to the ship was as instructive to him as
reading the visual displays upon the screens particularly during
the deep night shift when the crew's activities were subdued.
        It was the quiet that allowed him to hear a tiny sound,
nothing more than a sharp intake of breath.
        He opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the
sound.   The glow of her screen lit Athena's face exposing her
startled expression.  Omega watched as Athena bit her lower lip as
she listened intently to the channel she was monitoring.
        Not for the first time he wished he could do something to
help her.  She had taken the destruction of the colonies far worse
than most.  In better circumstances, she would have been
furloughed or at least have been reassigned to a grand position
for a time.  The best they could do now was to let her perform her
duties on quieter shifts.  There was no guarantee that it would
remain quiet but at least the busier activities of training
missions, fleet inspections, and inter-ship travel was minimized.
        Omega tapped the controls of his station to give him the
output on Athena's console on one of his own screens.  There was a
docking request from an approaching shuttle.  Nothing out of the
ordinary until he noted its point of origin had been the Prison
Barge.  With a casual flick of his hand, Omega switched the
channel of his headset to the _Galactica's_ traffic control.
        " - repeating, medical team to Alpha docking bay.  Medical
emergency.  Patient has sustained internal injuries - "
        He glanced at Athena who was sitting bolt upright, clearly
worried.  She turned toward Omega, freezing for a moment when she
realized he had been watching her.
        "Go, I'll cover for you," Omega said quietly.
        "Thank you," she whispered and slipped out.

        In another part of the battlestar, Cassiopeia, still half-
asleep, also hurried to the Life Station.  Doctor Salik had woken
her, cursing the med-techs on duty who had refused to assist him
and apologizing to Cassie for having to summon her.  As she turned
a corner, she nearly collided with Athena.
        "I'm sorry," Cassie said automatically.  She saw the look
on Athena's face and reached out.  "Are you all right?"
        "Don't let him die, please," Athena said.
        "Who?"  Cassie asked watching Athena who shook her head
and dashed back down the hallway from where she had come.  "What?
Athena?"  Cassie started to follow and then remembered her own
destination.  Whatever it had been, it would have to wait.  When
Cassie reached the Life Station, Salik was waiting for her.
        "I need you to assist me in surgery," he said grimly.  "I
don't care who the patient is and hope you don't either."
        "No, of course not," Cassie managed a smile.
        "Someone on the Prison Barge decided to take matters into
their own hands," Salik growled as he and Cassie walked into the
operating room.  Cassie hesitated for just an instant when she saw
their patient, the most despised man in the fleet, Baltar.
        It instantly explained some things but not Athena's plea.

THE PRESENT - _Galactica_  (continued

        The next morning by the ship's time, Cassie tracked down
Starbuck in the Officers' Club.   Naturally he was at a table with
the company of Apollo and Boomer.
        ".he had it coming to him," Apollo was saying as Cassie
stepped up to Starbuck.  "It's surprising someone hadn't done it
sooner."
        "Starbuck, I need to speak to you," Cassie leaned over and
whispered to him.
        "Why not join us?" Starbuck said.
        "Alone."  Cassie briefly glanced at the others who were
now curious as to Cassie's presence.
        "Ah, well, duty beckons, gentlemen," Starbuck said
lightly.  He stood and followed Cassie to a corner of the room.
"Am I.er.going to like this conversation?
        "I don't know.  You knew Athena before the destruction of
the colonies."
        "Oh, I knew it.  I'm not going to like this conversation."
Starbuck moaned.  "I really don't want to discuss what happened
between me and Athena."
        "I don't want to discuss what happened between you and
Athena.  I want to discuss what happened between Athena
and.someone else."
        "Frak, that's an even worse topic," Starbuck squirmed
under Cassie's scrutiny.
        "You know something, don't you?"
        "Why ask me?  Why don't you ask her?"
        "Because she looked terrible as it was.  Please,
Starbuck," Cassie said.
        "When was this?"  Starbuck asked.  His anxious look told
Cassie that Starbuck still cared for Athena even if their
relationship hadn't worked out as had been expected.
        "Last night."
        "What happened last night?  I mean, besides the obvious."
        "Athena asked me to save his life.  Everyone else in this
fleet would have been happy to let him die, if not begging me to
hasten the process.  She didn't.  Why?"
        "Oh, frak." Starbuck ran his hand through his hair.  "It
must have been more serious than I thought."
        "What was?" Cassie asked, more to confirm what she
suspected than anything else.
        "Her and him."  Starbuck smiled nervously.  "Athena and
Baltar.  Kind of creepy sounding, isn't it?"
        "Perhaps now," Cassie admitted, then looked at him in
surprise.  "Wait, the famous Starbuck charm didn't work?"
        "Not so loud, Cassie."  Starbuck nervously looked around
at the others in room.  "I have a reputation to maintain."
        "You lost Athena to him?"  Cassie couldn't resist the
opportunity to tease Starbuck.
        "I wouldn't say `lost'."  Starbuck winced.  "For Sagan's
sake, he was a Councilor on the High Quorum, considered one of the
most powerful men in the Colonies.  How could I compete with
that?"
        "That's never stopped you before."
        "He also had this niece."
        "Oh, I understand the problem now," Cassie said, smiling.
        "Cassie, there was also the problem of Athena's father."
        "Commander Adama?  I thought you and he got along."
        "That's the problem," Starbuck said, fidgeting slightly.
"I've always thought of him more as family and Athena more as a
sister.  Somehow, thinking of her as something else didn't seem
right."
        "Especially if it hadn't worked out."
        "Exactly." Starbuck nodded, relieved on that point.
"I.er.I'm sorry if this makes you feel comfortable."
        "That's all right," Cassie said, winking.  "As a
socialator, I've seen quite a bit.  I can handle it."
        "Yeah, but can I?"
        "So what did happen between Athena and Baltar?"

THE PAST - _Galactica_

        That yahren it had been Caprica's turn to accommodate the
Council of Twelve's meeting, and along with the Councilors
themselves, came their staffs and entourages, and those wishing to
take advantage of such a gathering.  With the news reporters and
very influential persons present, the ritual gathering of the
Council developed something of a social season among the rich and
powerful that extended beyond individual Colonies.  The Presidium
in the center of Caprica City became the place for individuals to
be seen and to insinuate themselves into the upper echelons of
Colonial society.
        As the Council representative for Caprica, Adama was
expected to act as host.  Fortunately for Adama, this task was
largely taken over by his wife, Ila, who was much more at ease
with such social fripperies, and Colonel Tigh took over much of
the day-to-day routine of commanding the battlestar.
        Ila had convinced her husband that Athena should have the
opportunity to experience such an event first-hand.  What better
way could there be to allow Athena to observe and to learn of
something other than a military environment?
        Just before the Council was to meet, Adama had summoned
his daughter to his quarters aboard the _Galactica_.
        "Your're mother think this would be an unrivalled
opportunity for you," Adama told Athena.
        "To do what?  I would be of more use here."  Inwardly,
Athena felt that she wouldn't fit in with the high and mighty.
She would be more comfortable on the battlestar which she thought
of as a second home, she had been there for so long.
        "She wants you to be able to appreciate those aspects of
Colonial society that we in the military strive to preserve."
        "That sounds like something the fleet commanders tell the
civilians," Athena said, smiling.  Even for her father, it sounded
more like the expected response than a real reason.
        "It does," Adama conceded, "but your mother insists there
is truth in it and that you have led too sheltered a life."
        "I don't feel like I've missed anything."
        "She thought you might say that.  She's of the opinion
that you wouldn't be able to realize if you had missed anything
until you've had the opportunity to know what that was," he said
with a hint of laughter in his deep voice.
        "I'd be totally at a loss.  I wouldn't know how to act.
What would I do?"  Athena felt a growing sense of unease.  She
knew that despite any objections she might make, her mother had
convinced her father and that as far as they were concerned the
matter was settled.
        "Your mother can help you with the social aspects.  As for
what you would do, the visiting Councilors are typically assigned
a liaison to assist them in coordinating their activities with
their personal staffs and the Caprican government and the hosting
Councilor, in this case, myself."
        "I would be on your staff?"
        "Not exactly.  You would be temporarily assigned to his
staff and he would provide you with specific instructions."
        "He?" Athena asked.  It appeared Adama had already
determined which Councilor she would be assigned to.
        "The Sagitaran Councilor."  A strange look of exasperation
came over Adama's face.  "If there is anyone I would like to keep
track of, it's him."
        "You want me to spy on a Councilor?"  Athena was surprised
by the implication.
        "Not spy.  Merely keep him to the Council's schedule.  Or
any schedule.  He wasn't very organized at last yahren's
meeting."  Her father's scowl of disapproval reminded her of the
look he had used to keep her and her brothers in line when she was
growing up.  "It would also be better if you did not mention to
him that you are my daughter."
        "Why not?" Athena asked, confused, not sure why it would
matter.
        "I want him to treat you fairly.  Without any preconceived
notions due to past dealings with me," Adama said trying to keep a
neutral tone.  He did not add that Ila had forbidden him to place
Athena on his own staff.

        A few days later, Athena had shuttled to Caprica City, and
home, with her father.  After Adama had acquainted her with the
Council of Twelve's accommodations and operations at the Presidium
while on Caprica and Ila had familiarized her with the social
aspects, Athena eventually found herself standing before the door
of the office suite that had been assigned to Sagitaran Councilor.
        With a curious mixture of expectation and reluctance,
Athena tapped on a door which had been emblazoned with the silver
and black emblem of the Archer of Sagitara.
        "Come in", a man's voice called.  She opened the door and
looked into an outer office.  Behind a large silver-trimmed black
desk sat a rather heavily built, middle-aged man who was studying
several hard-copy documents and tapping a stylus absentmindedly
against the desktop.  She took a few steps toward him and
hesitated not sure if she would be interrupting his reading.  He
looked up and when he saw her, he smiled, his entire expression
brightening even to a sparkle in the darkest eyes Athena had ever
seen.
        "May I help you?" he asked in a lilting baritone, tossing
the documents and stylus onto the desktop and standing.  His hair
was also nearly black only relieved by white at his temples, and
he was wearing a nondescript gray and black outfit.
        "I've been assigned to be the Sagitaran's Councilor's
liaison this session."
        "You have?"  His dark brows rose and he smile widened.
        "Yes," she answered uneasily, feeling a stranger.
        "And how did I merit such good fortune?"
        "I don't know.oh.."  She paused as she realized who she
must be speaking to.  "You must be Councilor Baltar."
        "Yes, I know who I am, but whom do I have the pleasure to
welcome?"  He stepped from behind the desk to join her.
        "Athena.  I'm a lieutenant with the Caprican Fleet,"
        "Well, Lieutenant Athena, that would explain the uniform."
He gestured to her blue uniform and then gave her a mischievous
grin. "And, I must say, you make it look stunning.  You wouldn't
even need a sidearm to bring down any man you chose."
        "Are you always like this?" Athena was astonished by his
audacity.  He was more brazen then even Starbuck.
        "When I decide to be," he lowered his voice as if not
wanting to be overheard. "As a politician it sometimes becomes my
job to cajole and flatter until I get my way."
        "At least you're honest about it."
        "Ahh.that hurt," he grimaced, but it was plainly in jest.
        "Surely as a politician you've been called worse."
Athena's retorted lightly, feeling more relaxed now that the worst
was over.
        "True."  He nodded.  "Would you like to hear what I've
been called?  We could make it your first job assignment to show
me where to get something decent to eat," he suggested.
        "I suppose I have to start somewhere."  She smiled and
took the arm he offered her as they left his office.


THE PAST - Caprica City

        A few days later, when Athena next entered the Sagitaran
Councilor's outer office she found Baltar sitting behind the desk,
shoulder to shoulder with a young, pretty dark-haired woman.  They
were both intently examining the desk's console controls.  As
Athena watched, he leaned over and showed his companion something
on the screen, casually tapping a few keys.
        "See, this isn't much different than the system at home,"
Baltar told her.
        "But just enough to make me really confused," she answered
with a slight Sagitaran sing-song accent.  She wore a grey and
rose tunic, civilian attire.
        "You'll get used to it in no time."  He patted her hand in
a familiar manner, making Athena feel as if she had intruded.  She
stepped back, her movement catching his attention causing Baltar
to look up at her.
        "Athena, how nice to see you.  I hadn't expected to see
you today."
        "I can always return later if you're busy."
        "Busy?"   He frowned, puzzled before realization set in
and he gave her one of his merry grins.  He stood and came around
from behind the desk to join Athena.
        "Athena, allow me to introduce you to Tesha.  She'll be
assisting me," Baltar said, making introductions.  "Tesha, this is
Lieutenant Athena.  She's our Council liaison this session."
        Tesha looked up from the console screen and smiling, gave
Athena a small wave.  Athena smiled in return.
        "Tesha is also my niece," Baltar added.
        "Oh, my.I feel so stupid." Athena murmured.  Now that he
mentioned it the family resemblance seemed obvious.
        "You shouldn't.  I appreciate your compliment though."
With his hands behind his back, he leaned in towards her, rising a
bit on his toes.
        "Compliment?  I didn't say anything."  Acutely aware of
his presence next to her, Athena nervously looked up at him.
        "You didn't need to."  Baltar's voice trailed off leaving
some things unspoken.
        "I think you're a bad influence on me."
        "Promise?" he asked with a sly smile.
        "Excuse me," Tesha called out.  With a wistful glance at
Athena, Baltar turned back to the desk.  "What priority do you
want me to give to these solicitations for off grounds events."
        "If it has nothing to do with Council matters, send my
regrets," he told her.
        "And Council receptions?"
        "Why do they do this to me?" he groaned.  "They keep me
trapped in a room with them all day and then think I want to spend
all evening with them."
        "Well, what should I do with the invitations?" Tesha
waited for his answer, one hand poised over the keys.
        "I know, let's ask our liaison.  Athena, what should I do
with them?"
        "You don't sound as if you want to go."
        "Although if I don't attend, I'd probably miss out on the
more substantial conversations among Council members."  Baltar
paused considering the matter and then a sparkle appeared in his
eyes.  "I suppose attending would require a certain liaison to get
me to the correct building on time."
        "I'm make confirmations for two then," Tesha said, already
entering in the information.
        "Wait, how do you know?" Athena asked.
        "My uncle is a very good politician."  Tesha winked at
her.


        The following day saw the official start of the Council of
Twelve's session.  While little actual business was done, there
were the requisite ceremonies of welcome and other assorted
formalities which found Athena guiding her charge to various
locations within the Presidium.  In the afternoon, with a break in
his schedule, she waited with Baltar in the inner room of the
office suite that had been assigned to him.
        "Why do you keep checking the time?"  Baltar, wearing a
white robe with large double sleeves and his Councilor's medallion
of office, sat in a high-backed, black chair behind a desk similar
to the one in the outer room.  Athena occupied a more modest chair
on the other side of the desk.
        "You have an appointment soon.  I wouldn't want you to be
late."
        "That's very considerate of you, but are you such a hurry
to be rid of me?"
        "I didn't mean to give you that impression," Athena
answered demurely.
        "Then don't worry about the time."
        "I don't want you to get in trouble."
        "Why would I get in trouble?" he asked, curious.  "The
worst that could happen is someone calls and inquires as to what
is keeping me."
        "I heard that some of the other Councilors were not
pleased by your lack of timeliness at the last session."  Athena
fidgeted in her chair, uneasy from his line of questioning.
        "Really?  If they did, they neglected to inform me."  He
leaned back in his chair behind his desk.  With one hand, he idly
tapped the glossy black desktop.  "And it couldn't have been more
than a few centons here and there." he murmured.
        With a sudden move, he slammed his hand flat against the
desktop causing Athena to jump in her seat.
        "Adama!  It was Adama!" he exclaimed, leaning forward.
        "What?" Athena asked, hardly daring to breathe.
        "It was he who complained about my `lack of timeliness'.
He's the one who ordered you to get me to meetings on time."
        "I wasn't ordered," Athena protested.  "I was requested to
help you while you are on Caprica."  There was silence as they
looked at each other before his irritated expression faded.
        "Forgive me." He smiled apologetically.  "I didn't mean to
upset you."
        "I'm not upset.  You just startled me."  She relaxed,
although she wondered if he hadn't found out that her father had
requested that she try to keep him to Adama's standard of
punctuality.
        "You know what?" He leaned forward resting his elbows on
the desk and his chin on his hands.  The white sleeves of his robe
cascaded down to the glossy black desktop.
        "What?"
        "I think Adama's going to be very annoyed with me."  His
mischievous grin worried her.
        "Why?" she squeaked.
        "I was supposed to be at the Council's portrait sitting
about.oh." He glanced briefly at a chronometer.  ".5 centons ago."
        "You were?" Alarmed, Athena jumped to her feet.  "If we
hurry - "
        "Athena, calm down." He interrupted her and laughed.
"They're probably just bickering anyway."  Deliberated unhurried,
he stood and came around from behind the desk to her side.  "Shall
we?"  He took her arm is his and strolled with her out of his
office and into the corridor.  "I won't let Adama get you in
trouble for my.er.failure to keep time."
        "How can you do that?"
        "Diplomatic immunity."
        "Oh, that's fine for you.  It doesn't apply to me."
        "I can always create a diplomatic incident," Baltar said
cheerfully.  "Would you like to be the cause of a diplomatic
incident?"
        "It would have been less trouble to keep track of the
time," she murmured.
        "Hmmm.I'm finding that very difficult when you're with
me."
        "What do I have to do with your ability to keep time?"
Athena looked up at him.  He still seemed blissfully unconcerned.
        "Ah, you see, I enjoy your company.  I'm not in a hurry to
leave you in order to get trapped in a room with a bunch of
inflexible bureaucrats."
        "But you're a member of the same Council," Athena said,
bewildered by his assessment of those he should have considered
his equals.
        "Don't remind me."  He winced rather dramatically.  If
fact, too dramatically for it to have been other than mockery.
Athena couldn't decide if he was mocking the Council or himself.
        "If you don't like it, why do you do it?"
        "Why are you a lieutenant in the Caprican fleet?" He
asked, stopping as they reached the opened double doors of the
Council's chamber.  Athena could see the long meeting table and
the emblems of the Colonies adorning the walls inside.  The other
Councilors, grouped in pairs and trios, were chatting amongst
themselves.  While most of the others wore some variation on the
traditional long white robes, Adama's silver-trimmed blue uniform
stood out.  Adama caught sight of Balltar and frowned.  As he
walked towards them, Athena tried to slip away but Baltar held her
arm firmly in his.
        "Adama, pray excuse my delay," Baltar said smoothly.
"Please do not fault my liaison for my failure to arrive timely.
I assure you she made every effort to keep me to your schedule,
however, I had to attend to some important business."
        "Now that you're here, we can get to our business," Adama
said.
        "Of course, anything you wish," He agreed amiably and then
turned to Athena.  "I look forward to seeing you this evening for
the reception.  Don't forget I need your assistance."  He smiled,
releasing her arm and giving her a small bow.
        As she left, Athena could not help but notice her father's
disapproving glance at Baltar.


PART 3





Dancing: "a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire,
legalised by music". - George Bernard Shaw



THE PRESENT - _Galactica_



       It was one of those family dinners that Adama held in his
quarters approximately once a secton.  For Cassiopeia, this
evening's gathering held a new dimension of meaning.  Athena,
ravishing in a white dress, appeared calm and untroubled by recent
events as she acted as hostess.  Cassie could not help but admire
her resolve.

       Eventually the conversation turned to the inevitable.

       "I'm only sorry that they didn't finish the job," Sheba
said, a hard edge to her voice.  Next to her, Apollo nodded in
agreement.

       "It certain would have saved us a lot of trouble."

       "Perhaps." Adama muttered from his seat at the head of the
table.  Cassie was now aware of something unsaid in his demeanor,
a reluctance to pursue the subject.

       "The fleet has no need of that traitor," Apollo said
bitterly. No doubt in remembrance of Serena.  Cassie, knowing
Athena must be affected by this talk, nudged Starbuck.

       "Oh.um.could we discuss something more important?" Starbuck
said.

       "Such as?" Apollo asked.

       "Er.the upcoming triad season."  Finding a suitable topic,
Starbuck brightened.  "There has been some talk about instituting
a play-off schedule among teams throughout the fleet."

       "Do you really think we have that much free time?" Apollo
laughed.

       "What else do we have to do?" Starbuck leaned back in his
chair, looking more comfortable.  Cassie noted that Adama seemed
relieved by the change to a frivolous topic.  She understood
Athena's words now.  These meals were primarily not for the
consumption of food and drink, but to give some sort of normalcy
and relief to Adama and those in attendance.

       "Pay attention to us?"  Sheba asked Apollo, affectionately
pulling his arm.

       "You're welcome to cheer us on," Apollo teased her.

       "Typically male," Cassie said feigning dissatisfaction.
She glanced at Athena who seemed unperturbed yet remote.  Cassie
became painfully aware that Athena, sitting at the end of the
table, was alone.  "Perhaps we should start a women's league."

       "I am not wearing that uniform." Athena stated and smiled.

       "Ladies, ladies, think of us," Starbuck said, leaning
forward. Cassie recognized the look in his eyes.  The potential
for monetary gain had occurred to him.

       "Why should we?" Athena challenged him.

       "Your loyal fans would be much more attentive if you ladies
wore something like our uniforms."  Starbuck flashed a grin.  "We
have to wear them, and, Sagan knows, I could do without them."

       "If you want to play in the nude, feel free to do so,"
Athena said sweetly.

       "Oh, yes, we would be happy to watch that." Sheba laughed.

       "Think of the viewership of the matches on the IFB," Cassie
added.

       "Think of my dignity," Starbuck pleaded.

       "What dignity?" the women responded in unison.  Even Adama
laughed at Starbuck's plight.

       "Apollo, help me." Starbuck looked desperate.

       "I'm staying out of it.  You started it."

       "Some partner you are," Starbuck groused, although Cassie
knew him well enough to know that he was enjoying the attention.
The rest of the evening went along the same lines and Athena,
acting the ever gracious hostess, saw Cassie and Starbuck to the
door.

       "Thank you for the diversion tonight." Athena smiled.

       "We're glad to have provided it," Cassie replied.  "If you
would like to talk later."


.


THE PAST - Caprica City



       That evening, for the Council's opening night reception,
Athena once again found herself hesitating before the Sagitaran
Councilor's office door.  Her mother had provided her advice on
the appropriate attire for the occasion, but she had been wearing
military uniforms for so long she still felt inappropriately
dressed.  She fussed a moment straightening her light-blue dress
before she realized she was just using it as an excuse to delay.
She took a deep breath and opened the door.

       "Athena, you look beautiful," Baltar said, standing as she
entered.  He was wearing his white robes that distinguished him as
a Councilor.

       "I didn't know if this was appropriate for a Council
reception," she said.  "I could have worn a dress uniform - "

       "No, no, no," he interrupted her as her walked to her side
and gave her a knowing smile. "I've wanted to see you out of that
uniform since I first saw you."

       "Councilor!  What would your wife say?!" Her eyes widened
and her cheeks reddened.

       "She won't say anything," he answered, a shadow passing
over his eyes.  "Sharraya was an enemy casualty 15 yarhens ago."

       "I.I'm sorry." Athena stammered.  "I didn't mean to - "

       "I know you didn't.  Don't apologize." Baltar said firmly,
but gently, taking her arm in his.  "Just allow me the pleasure of
your company this evening."

       "I don't know how much pleasure I can be to you."

       "Oh.you underestimate yourself," he said leading her out of
the office.  "By simply showing up, you've made the promise of
tonight's soiree being enjoyable much more likely."

       "You saw me only a few centars ago."

       "That's all?  It seemed longer.  Tell me, do they still
teach the cadets the old dances at the Academy?"


       "Yes.  It seems a waste though; few people dance like that
after graduating."

       "Would you like to make use of that portion of your
training tonight?" he asked, smiling.

       "If I can remember."

       "Not to worry." With his free hand, he patted her hand that
rested on his forearm.  "I'll refresh you memory."



       The grand hall of the Presidium was crowded with those
fortunate enough or obligated to attend the first major social
event of the Council session.  The 12 Councilors were naturally
the focus of the evening, but others in high civilian, military,
and administrative positions, as well as the culturally elite of
society were present. The news organizations also sent their
reporters who waited like carrion avians on the sidelines for the
first hint of scandal whether it be in underhanded political
maneuverings or just lascivious gossip regarding any well known
name.

       "Hmmm, I see Serena," the Councilor said as he looked out
the window of their vehicle as it pulled up to the entryway.

       "Serena?  Of the news?"  Athena asked, suddenly feeling
cold. "Why did I let you talk me into this?"

       "Oh, don't worry.  I'll take care of it." He said,
reassuring her and took her hand in his.  "This shouldn't be
difficult.  It might have been with the last Council session being
on Sagitara, but then I didn't need a liaison for my own Colony."

         Their vehicle stopped and the door was opened for them.
Baltar exited and then gallantly handed out Athena onto the formal
walkway to the hall's main doors.

       "Just look beautiful and you'll be fine," he told her,
taking her arm and guiding her towards the entrance amongst the
other arrivals.  Before they arrived at the gauntlet of reporters
led by Serena, he glanced at those behind him.

       "Councilor, I don't recognize your companion.  Would you
care to make an introduction?" Serena asked briskly the video
operator behind her.

       "I would be delighted to," Baltar smiled giving her his
entire attention. "I'm so glad you could make it to the opening of
the Council session.  It's a lovely evening, isn't it?"  He
gestured with his free hand, almost making contact with the man
behind him.  "Oh, forgive me.  I shouldn't be taking up your
valuable time; it's most rude to you and Sire Domra who I'm sure
would be interesting to your viewers than myself.  If you will
excuse me.?"  He gave Serena a small bow and hurried on with
Athena.

       "That was quite a performance," Athena said.

       "I told you: I'm a politician." He laughed and escorted her
into the hall.



       Inside the grand hall, a military orchestra played the
expected traditional social dance numbers.  These were the more
restrained dances of centuries past when it had been considered
unseemly for a man and a woman to make physical contact on a
casual basis and the dance had been a courtship ritual.  Some
attendees participated in these formal, polite dances, while
others drifted and mingled on the sidelines pausing occasionally
to partake of the food and drink set out on wide tables.

       Near the top of the room, the Council representative for
Caprica, Adama, and his wife, Ila, acting as hosts, held court as
those attending paid their respects, or made introductions for
others. During a lull, Adama glanced towards the center of the
hall attracted by the motion of the dancers as they moved to a
three-beat pattern, a Virgonese Valse.

       "What is she doing here with him?" Adama growled as he
noticed Baltar and Athena.

       "It looks like they're dancing," Ila answered pleasantly.
Although white streaked her golden hair, she was still as slender
and elegant as when Adama had first met her.

       "He shouldn't be taking advantage of her like that."

       "Dear, it was you who assigned Athena to be his Council
liaison."

       "At your insistence," Adama reminded her.  "Dancing isn't
part of the job duties."

       "Leave them alone; it isn't doing you any harm." Ila smiled
and sipped her ambrosia.  "They do make a charming couple."

       "Don't even suggest that," Adama said between clenched
teeth. "He's not good enough for her."

       "Which is exactly what my father said about you."

       "In that he was mistaken," Adama's expression softened and
he gave a short laugh.


       "Couldn't you also be mistaken?"

       "Ila, he's a member of the Quorum.  I've had dealings with
him."

       "Ah, I see.  Your political loyalties are affecting your
judgment."

       "No.  I don't trust him regardless of his political views."
Adama shook his head.

       "So, your fatherly protectiveness is now affecting you
political views," she teased.  "I've never heard you complain
about him before.   I mean, not anymore than any other Quorum
member."

       "They weren't dancing with Athena," Adama said, nearly
glaring at the pair on the dance floor.  As far as he was
concerned, Baltar was holding Athena too closely and too
comfortably.

       "She looks like she's enjoying herself." Ila said,
following her husband's gaze.  "Isn't that important to you?"

       "That could change."

       "Adama, there are no guarantees in life." Ila sighed.
"Starbuck's dalliances are making her unhappy.  She can't wait on
him forever.  Let her decide."  She paused and then a sparkle
appeared in her blue eyes.  "Besides, you know what happens when
the girl's father separates two lovers; they just elope."

       "Not if I can help it," Adama said alarmed and turned,
starting for the dance floor.  Ila seized his arm stopping him.

       "You stay right here." She handed him her half-filled
glass. "I'll go check on them.  YOU might create a diplomatic
incident."

       She wended her way among the groups of people, stopping
here and there to act as the gracious hostess and timing her
progress so that she approached the dance floor just as the music
ended.  Athena's brows rose slightly as she caught sight of her
mother.  Ila smiled and briefly touched a finger to her lips.  As
she joined the pair, Baltar took Athena's arm to lead her off the
dance floor.

       "Councilor, how are you this evening?" Ila asked smoothly.

       "Quite well, Siress Adama."  He inclined his head in
greeting to her.

       "I trust you are settling in for the session.  I know
Quorum meetings can become tedious."


       "That they can be," he agreed, "but I was fortunate this
Council session to be granted the most charming liaison
possible."  He gave Athena a warm look.  "Have you met my Council
liaison Lieutenant Athena?"

       "Why, yes, I have," Ila answered.  Athena recognized the
undertone of amusement in her voice and she felt her own cheeks
warm. "Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?' Ila asked.

       "Yes," Athena murmured.

       "Then I'll just let you two carry on.  Good evening."

       "Good evening, Siress," Baltar said as Ila drifted back
among the others.  When she neared Adama, she could see him
scowling.

       "Stop looking so upset, dear," she chided him as she
retrieved her glass from him.  "People think you're a martinet as
it is."

       "I care what happens to our daughter."  A plaintive note
insinuated itself into his disapproving tone.

       "I understand but your zeal in protecting her intimidates
the men."

       "What?"

       "Half the single men on Caprica avoid Athena because
they're scared of her father."

       "There's always the other half."

       "And they think Athena is a means to an easy promotion."

       "That's absurd."  Adama dismissed the idea with an
accompanying wave of his hand.

       "Either way," Ila said, "she is thought of as 'Commander
Adama's daughter'."

       "She is my daughter."

       "You're missing the point." Ila shook her head.  "I don't
think Councilor Baltar knows you're her father."  She sensed
Adama's determination - or just plain stubbornness - rising as his
jaws muscles tightened.  "And you're not going to tell him."

       "Ila, why shouldn't I?"

       "Let Athena get out from under the shadow of her father and
be herself for once."  She took Adama's hand in hers and her voice
softened.  "Promise me you won't interfere.  It's a hard thing for
her to be your daughter, don't make it harder on her."

       "All right," he conceded, "but I'll be watching."

       "I wouldn't expect anything different."






.

PART 4





"What kind of Supreme Being would condone such irony?" - Burt
Gummer



THE PRESENT - _Galactica_



       A few days after Cassiopeia had discovered Athena speaking
to Baltar, the Life Station was visited by another important
person. Cassie had been going about her work when Siress Tinia
entered and requested to speak to Doctor Salik.  Unwilling to deal
with the formidable Siress alone, Salik had asked Cassie to
accompany them to his office.  It did not take long for Tinia to
dispense with the preliminaries and get to business.

       "The Council is curious why you should continue to use some
of the _Galactica's_ scarce resources on certain patients."

       "Ah.I see what you're getting at," Salik said, irritated by
her presence in the Life Station.  This was his bailiwick, not
hers. "It's not my place to determine who or who does not receive
treatment. Anyone who is admitted here will medical assistance to
the best of my ability."

       "Anyone?" Tinia asked, arching a brow.

       "Yes, anyone.  Even you if need be." Salik paused as a new
thought came to him.  "I believe it was the Council who spared his
life, preferring to give a life sentence rather than ordering an
execution.  Why did the Council not consider the fleet's resources
then?"


       "I can not say.  I was not a member of the Council at that
time."

       "You were when he made the infamous attempt to escape."
Salik let the suggestion hang.

       "That was a different situation," Tinia said.

       "I'm sure it was," Salik growled.  "I appreciate your
concern, Councilor Tinia, however I will not interfere with your
duties, if you do not interfere in mine."  That the conversation
was over with as far as Salik was concerned was evident.

       "Thank you for your time," Tinia said coldly and swept out
of the Life Station.

       "She'll no doubt speak to Adama," Cassie said, watching
Tinia leave.

       "I expect her to," Salik muttered.



       Without looking, Omega knew that someone had intruded upon
the _Galactica's_ bridge.  He could sense the change in the crew
as they noticed the newcomer.  Even Athena at her station seemed
suddenly intent upon the information displayed on her console
screen.  Omega glanced at the bridge's main entrance to see a
tall, elegant, and, above all, authoritative woman standing there
as if she owned the ship.

       Behind Omega, Colonel Tigh let out a tired sigh.  "Just
what we need:  the Council."

       "Now, Tigh, don't go looking for trouble," Adama said.

       "Adama, if it's the Council, it's bound to be trouble.  It
comes looking for us."

       "Siress Tinia," Adama said cordially, walking to her.
"Have you arrived for a surprise inspection on behalf of the
Council?"

       "No.  I am here - at the Council's request - to discuss a
matter that has come to the attention of the Council," she said.

       "Urgent enough that it could not wait for the Council's
next meeting?"

       "Commander, I would prefer to discuss this matter with you
in private, away from the rest of the Council."

       "That's very considerate of you," Adama said.  "Shall we go
to my quarters?"


       As they left, Omega could feel the bridge crew relax.

       "At least we are being given warning this time," Tigh
muttered.



       In the portion of his quarters that functioned as an
office, and after showing Tinia to a seat, Adama settled into the
chair behind his desk.

       "I know you don't welcome my visit," Tinia said.

       "That's not exactly true."  Adama said pleasantly.  "You
calling on me is quite welcome; the possibility that it involves
Council business is not so welcome."

       "Despite their attitudes, the rest of the Council does
respect you, particularly your ability to keep the fleet going."

       "That's very gratifying, however, I doubt you're here
simply to tell me this."

       "Unfortunately, no.  Recent events have brought up the
issue of how the fleet is expending its resources."

       "Yes, and what exactly is the issue?" Although Adama asked,
he knew he wasn't going to like where this conversation was apt to
lead to.

       "Commander, I realize that a certain amount of compassion
is admirable but at some point with limited resources, it must be
realized that certain people in the fleet are not as deserving of
these resources as, frankly, personnel who contribute more to the
fleet."

       "Is this about the perception that preferential treatment
is being given to the Warriors?"

       "No.  It's not that contentious."  Tinia gave Adama a brief
smile.  "It's about the _Galactica's_ medical personnel expending
time, medicine, and treatment on a traitor."

       "If I recall, the Council did not see fit to pass down a
sentence of execution." Adama said carefully.

       "Yes, I know.  Doctor Salik has pointed that out."  Tinia
said, now giving Adama a searching look.  "I suspect you have
reasons for tolerating the man.  It has not escaped the present
Council that you and he are the only survivors of the Council that
negotiated the disastrous Armistice agreement."

       "I'm aware of that."  Adama gave her a curt nod.


       "I won't ask you what happened in the past as I suspect it
would not help matters, however, I need to be able to give the
Council some rational reason before they decide to do something
foolish."

       "I appreciate your consideration, Siress," Adama said.

       "Commander, I don't think this fleet can survive without
your leadership."

       "I don't know about that." He gave a short laugh.  "I think
you might be able to manage the fleet quite well if need be."

       "Thank you for the vote of confidence," Tinia said warmly.
"In the meantime, Baltar is, at the very least, a security risk
while aboard this ship, no matter what his state of health."

       "Agreed.  I will confer with Doctor Salik and get back to
you as soon as possible."


.



THE PAST - Caprica City



       "Ahh.the first of the never ending reports, missives, and
whatnot," Baltar said, sitting behind his desk, as Athena handed
him a stack of sealed documents which she had brought from her
father's office.

       "Weren't you expecting them?" Athena asked.

       "I was expecting them.  I wasn't looking forward to reading
them."  He laughed and set them on his desk.  When she remained
silent, he looked up at her with an inquiring look.  Athena
hesitated, unsure of what she was supposed to do next.

       "Is there anything else I can do?"

       "You can sit down for a moment," Baltar indicated a chair
next to his desk.  "You look so uncomfortable standing there at
attention."

       "I didn't know I was," Athena said, sitting.

       "You rather remind me of Adama," Baltar mused.  The morning
light shone through the office's window, giving warmth to the
otherwise austere room.


       "Why is that?" Athena asked, nervous.

       "You're so serious.  Is it a Caprican trait?  Do they ever
have fun here?"

       "But you were complaining about attending the receptions
and such.'

       "Those are but an extension of work; I am expected to
maintain a certain decorum during them."  He leaned a bit closer
to her.

       "I thought you enjoyed last night's reception."  He had
seemed to enjoy it.  Had she been wrong?

       "I did, but I had a most charming dance partner, something
that is absent all too often at those functions."  He smiled at
her. "Did you find any pleasure in it?"

       "Yes," she murmured, feeling her cheeks warm.

       "Then.perhaps.it's something you would do again," he said,
his voice dropping to velvet purr.  "With me?  Or is there someone
else that you would prefer?"

       "I thought there was someone, but he doesn't seem
interested."

       "Ah.a fool.or an unwise man.perhaps I should pity him."

       "Why?"

       "He evidently does not recognize what most men would risk
their lives for."

       "Aren't you exaggerating?" Athena asked, almost stunned by
his words.

       "Maybe just a bit."  He smiled again, but this time with a
dreamy quality.

       "Do you like the Caprican Councilor?" Athena asked,
directing Baltar's attention away from herself.

       "Adama?" He said, a rather sour note in his voice.  "I
really couldn't say on a personal level; however, as a Councilor,
he is hard to deal with.  Why do you ask?"

       "You seem to dislike him."

       "You shouldn't trouble yourself with such a matter," Baltar
said with some amusement.  "No doubt it is in the nature of the
Council itself as we each come from different backgrounds and have
different goals in mind.  Adama's very existence is grounded in
military protocol; mine is not.  Of course we're going to have
conflicts."

       "But isn't that the purpose of the Council?  To reconcile
such differences between Colonies and decide on a common purpose?"

       "That is the ideal," he said and laughed.  "Unfortunately,
reality abhors ideals.  I wouldn't be surprised if Adama thinks I
am some villain as seen in those melodramatic theatrical works and
my sole purpose in life is to thwart him."  He ended with an
extravagant laugh and a wild gleam in his eyes.

       "You know you're really scary when you do that."  Athena
said in a hushed voice.

       "Do what?" He asked innocently.

       "That deranged laugh.  It's like you're a different person;
one that scares me."

       "Athena, I was joking."  He reassured her.  "If it upsets
you, I won't do it.but do you suppose it would scare the Council?"

       "Why?  It would be childish."  She also suspected it would
just annoy her father.

       "Ah.you've never been to a meeting of the august Council of
12."

       "What's that suppose to mean?  What does the Council do?"

       "I told you:  we mostly argue."  He gave her a
conspiratorial smile.

       "Don't you mean 'debate'?" Athena said, still hanging on to
her expectations of the Council's operations as she had been
taught in school and at the Academy.

       "No.debating implies that someone is listening to your
position and just might actually give it serious consideration."

       "How does anything get decided?"

       "We either blackmail each other or sell each other out." He
laughed and shrugged as if it was obvious.

        "WHAT?"

       "Athena, it's what politicians do," he said calmly, "except
we call it 'supporting our esteemed colleague's position' or
'compromising'.  And, of course, we all keep a running tally of
who owes whom."

       "Do you take your position seriously?" she asked, unsettled
by his casual attitude.

       "Of course, I do, but, my dear, it would be foolish not to
take what enjoyment you can out of life," Baltar said as if he
were telling Athena a secret.

       "Shouldn't you, as a Councilor, be beyond that?"

       "That's all the more reason for me to recognize the
absurdities that inevitably accompany life...if only to keep
matters in perspective."  He smiled.  "You're far too young to be
so serious about things.  Particularly things that you will
realize are not as important as you now think they are."

       "How can you say that?"

       "How can you not consider it?"  He gave her one of his
quizzical smiles, almost teasing her.

       "It has never occurred to me," she admitted.

       "Of course, it hasn't.  No doubt the Caprican military
would disapprove of such frivolous behaviour."

       "You wouldn't want the Warriors to be - be - distracted,
or, worse, indisposed should there be a Cylon attack."

       "No, I wouldn't.  But I would prefer Warriors who think of
life as more than a series of duties that must be met at the
exclusion of all else.  They are only human, are they not?"

       "They take pride in their service." Athena felt she had to
say something to defend her comrades.

       "I'm sure they do," he said, and then added, with an amused
glitter in his eyes, "I'm sure you do."  He straightened up and
took on a serious demeanour.  "I trust you'll believe me when I
say that we civilians appreciate and honour their commitment to
their service. Remember, most of us have served in some capacity
as some point."

       "Even you?"

       "Of course.  With a war that has been ongoing for a
thousand yahrens, I could hardly not have served.  No one has been
unaffected by the constant war and that is why we should remember
why it is that we continue to fight to maintain our cultures and
our homes.

       "In fact," Baltar continued, "after the losses sustained at
the Cosmora Archipelago and Molecay, the Council has made it a top
priority this session to reevaluate how the Colonies are handling
the war.  We can not continue to lose battle after battle and
prevail over the Cylons in the end.  At some point the Colonies
will not have sufficient resources to be able to make an effective
counterattack or, even, defense.then where will we be?"

       "I think I see your point," Athena said slowly.

       "There, I'm quite capable of being the solemn, serious
statesman that you expect, but I'm not nearly as amusing to be
with, am I?"  He leaned forward, the sparkle again in his eyes.

       "I suppose not."  She looked at him.  "But should you be?"

        "Why not?  It can be quite effective in getting my opinion
heard at Council meetings.  Some Councilors feel the need to drone
on and on, and I'm in danger of falling asleep before they ever
sum up whatever they're trying to say."

       "How ever do you manage to stay awake?" Athena asked,
smiling.

       "I haven't had that problem since my thoughts have been
preoccupied by a certain charming liaison." He returned her smile
with one of his own.

       "If I'm being a distraction, perhaps, I should resign."

       "Haven't you been listening to me?" he asked gently taking
her hand.  "You provide a reason for me to take an interest in the
endless ramblings heard at Council meetings.  Men need some ideals
to sustain their efforts."




.

[Friends and fans of Athena may want to look away...]



THE PAST - Caprica City (continued)



       The following sectons established a rhythm for Athena of
hand delivering confidential documents, keeping the Sagitaran
staff informed of Council schedules, and directing the Sagitaran
Councilor to various locations in the Presidium and Caprica City.
Eventually, she suspected he was denying his ability to learn the
various buildings and layout of the area but she did not feel any
need to ask him about this.

       She found herself enjoying his attention, although time
became scarce due to the increasing demands that Council business
were making on him.  Councilor Baltar talked to her differently
than any man she had ever known.  Although he teased her, it was
not mean-spirited, and he actually seemed to listen to what she
had to say.  He did not appear to mind her questions, or dismiss
them as irrelevant, something which Caprican men quite often did.

       Unfortunately, her father became more short-tempered as the
Council session proceeded and she knew from his comments that he
did not approve of Baltar.  Her mother assured her it was simply
Council business that was causing Adama's irascible behaviour.
Athena would have liked to believe otherwise but she doubted
Council business was the only thing that was upsetting her father.

       It became quite apparent the next time a reception was held
in the Presidium's grand hall.

       That night Athena and Ila watched on the sidelines as her
father again took Councilor Baltar aside with the stated purpose
of discussing Council matters.

       "I'm afraid your father is in one of his moods tonight,"
Ila said.

       "I don't think it's helping," Athena said, noting that
Baltar looked annoyed with Adama.

       "Have you heard from Starbuck lately?"

       "No, I've tried to talk to him but he always seems busy."

       "That's unfortunate," Ila said.  "Perhaps he just needs a
bit more time."

       "I don't think there is any amount of time that will change
his mind."

       "It looks like your father is done chatting.  Why don't you
go dance with your Councilor?"

       "My Councilor?" Athena asked, turning to her mother.

       "Of course," Ila said, smiling, "you are his liaison and I
think he's searching for you now."  Ila nodded and Athena could
see that Baltar, free from her father, was, indeed, scanning the
crowd. "I'll take care of your father."

       As Adama paused to acknowledge another member of the
Council, Athena took the opportunity to slip off.

       "Dear, watching them is one thing, haunting them is
another." Ila said as Adama joined her.  "Councilor Baltar is
getting suspicious of your odd behavior."

       "It's not odd," Adama stated firmly.  "It's perfectly
normal for a concerned father."


       "I'll grant you that, but it's becoming painfully obvious
what you're doing."

       "At some point, he has to know," he said, his voice rising.

       "Hush, dear, people are looking."  Ila took his arm.

       "How can you remain so calm about this?"  Adama looked at
her.

       "Because I remember what it was like with my father when I
met you," Ila said giving him a flirtatious look.  "I don't worry
any less than you about Athena, but I'm willing to trust her
judgment."

       "I trust her judgment; it's his I don't trust."

       "Are you saying he doesn't have the judgment to recognize
an intelligent and desirable woman?"  She laughed.

       "That goes without saying," Adama said, fuming.  "What are
his intentions towards her?"

       "Oh, I suspect the same as most men's intentions," Ila said
lightly, teasing him.

       "Him?" The thought appalled Adama, and Ila tightened her
grip on his arm.

       "My father had the same attitude about you."

       "Fortunately you didn't listen to him," Adama said softly
and gave her a smile relenting again to her charms.



       "What is it with Adama tonight?" Baltar muttered more to
himself than actually asking Athena as she joined him.  "He won't
leave me alone.  It's like he's stalking me."

       "Perhaps it's some Council matter." Athena suggested.  She
knew her father wasn't likely to be pursuing a Council matter; he
was just using it as a pretense to keep Baltar occupied and away
from her.

       "He's got ten other Councilors to harass.  Why me?"  Baltar
frowned, his dark brows coming together and his eyes narrowing.
Athena shifted in embarrassment and guilt.  It had been so nice to
be with someone without her father's overwhelming personality and
status affecting how someone treated her, but even now her father
was making his presence felt.  No doubt when Baltar found out,
he'd act differently, or, rather, he'd act like every man did when
he discovered that Adama was her father.


       "Do you know you look enchanting when you blush?" he said,
his frown gone, replaced by an almost reverent expression as he
looked at her.

       "No," she answered in a small voice.

       "Well, you do."  He looked around furtively.  "Oh, good,
Adar's got him occupied.  Let's get out of here."  He took her
hand and led her quickly through the clusters of people and out
through a side door.  "I haven't felt like this since I was a
cadet and sneaking out of the Academy for a late night drink."

       "Really?"  Athena couldn't help but giggle.

       "Didn't you ever do it?"  They paused as they entered a
side corridor and he got his bearings.

       "Once or twice."  She didn't add that as Adama's daughter
it had made it that much harder for her to escape for a few
centars.

       "Here I am supposedly one of the most influential people in
the Colonies and I have to resort to this to get an evening alone
with you.  This way."  They started down the corridor at a quick
pace.

       "Where are we going?"

       "To my embassy.  I doubt if Adama will follow us there, and
if he does, I'll have him barred at the door."  As they reached
the entrance hall, he slowed to make sure it was clear before
leading her through.  At the doorway he informed the attendant to
call his groundcar.  "We'll wait outside for it," he finished,
leading Athena out of the Presidium's grand hall and to an alcove
shadowed by ornamental trees.

       "Don't you think Council security might think it's odd for
you to be sneaking around in the greenery?" Athena asked,
strangely exhilarated in the night shadows next to him.

       "If they do, I'll just show them this." He tapped his
medallion of office.  He was still keeping a watch on other people
exiting the building and on the lookout for the groundcar.  When
the black, sleek car with its small silver and black flags
fluttering at the front corners pulled up, he tugged Athena's
hand. "Hurry, let's go before the Caprican fleet catches up with
us."



       "You've become quiet.  Is anything wrong?" Athena asked
later that evening as she and Baltar strolled along the garden
pathways behind the Sagitaran embassy.  Behind her, she could the
muted music and the muffled society chatter escaping into the
night air from the open veranda doors of the building.  It was a
more modest gathering then that being held at the Presidium.

       "No, nothing is wrong.  You've just given me something to
think about." He said, taking her hand.  "I was just contemplating
the ephemeral pleasantries of the evening." He paused on an
ornamental bridge which spanned a small stream.  Overhead swayed
the branches of trees with the filigreed leaves and the aromatic
scarlet blooms of spring.

       "It is lovely."

       "And you look so much a part of it." He slipped his arm
around her shoulders, the wide sleeve of his robe enfolding her.

       "Couldn't that be said of anyone?" She asked, finding it
almost hard to breath.

       "Yes," he answered, raising his glass with his free hand
and taking a sip.  "But there is something unique about this time
of yahren; something joyful in the promise of hope, yet, at the
same time, bittersweet."

       "Bittersweet?'

       "That the promise is fleeting, transient, that some
aspirations will be fulfilled and others will be disappointed, and
eventually the intoxicating freedom of choices will pass."  He
gazed silently into the distance.  Though his face was shadowed by
the night, the light from the embassy allowed Athena to see the
faint smile on his lips.  She could also see something sad in his
dark eyes. The breeze ruffled his hair and caressed her bare
shoulders.  With a slight shiver she leaned into the warmth of his
enfolding arm and rested her head on his shoulder, her movement
seeming to startle him. Setting his glass on the bridge railing,
he stroked her hair letting the shining black strands slide
through his fingers.

       A petal dropped from overhead onto her cheek and as he
reached to brush it off, she lifted her head finding herself face
to face with him.  So close that she felt his breath upon her
cheek.  Whether it was inertia or the irresistible force of
gravity of two bodies close together, she later couldn't say, but
it was only natural that their lips met.




.


THE PAST - Caprica City

        When Athena delivered Council reports to Baltar the next
morning, he appeared rather subdued when she entered his office.
In fact, he seemed almost embarrassed when he saw her.
        "About last night, I apologize if I overstepped the bounds
of propriety," he said, appearing genuinely concerned.
        "I didn't mind," she said.
        "You didn't?" He asked, giving her that slightly askew
questioning look of his.
        "No, should I?  It was sincere, wasn't it?"
        "I think it was," he mused, tapping the top of his desk.
"I mean, it just happened; I rather surprised myself."
        "You're not certain?" Athena asked.  If he didn't know,
then who did?
        "I certainly didn't regret it afterwards," he said,
looking up at her and grinning.
        "Then why are you apologizing?" she asked.
        "I'm worried that you may have been regretting last
night's little escapade."
        "It was rather exciting."
        "Then.you would do it again?" Baltar asked with something
like excitement in his dark eyes.
        "Are you planning on repeating it?"
        "I'd like to."  He allowed his words to trail off as he
watched her.
        "Why are you being so reticent now?" Athena asked.  He had
seemed so sure and confident in his actions.  Why was he
apparently retreating now?  Did it really have anything to do with
father?  Or did men just act like this because of something she
did personally?
        "Perhaps, I'm afraid that you'll refuse me," he murmured.
Athena was surprised by his hesitancy and the slight ruddiness in
his cheeks.  "It's been awhile since I considered such a
possibility.."   His words faded.
        "Possibility of what?"
        "Of several things," he said, suddenly returning to his
typical brisk cheerfulness.  "Unfortunately, I have to deal with
Council business first."
        "Do you need my help?" Athena asked.
        "I would like your help," Baltar said and indicated the
side chair at his desk.  Athena sat in what she was considering as
her chair as he continued.  "The Council is scheduled to take an
extended recess to.hmmm.investigate certain possibilities."
        "They don't usually recess until the session is over,
except for the usual secton day of rest."
        "That's true.  I didn't know you were that familiar with
the Council's habits."  He gave her that inquiring glance of his.
        "Someone mentioned it to me when I received an orientation
for this assignment," she said quickly.  It was true in a way if
she could consider her father's past Council sessions as an
orientation.
        "Anyway, this creates a problem for me as I shall be out
of contact with the Council and any comlines for several sectons
during this recess.  And I'm sure the rest of the Council will not
be polite enough to suspend all business during my absence."
        "Why is this a problem?"
        "You've seen the amount of reports I receive."  He smiled
and patted the latest stack - the stack she had just delivered -
on his desktop.  "And I receive quite a bit over the system.
Since I shall be out of contact, all of this will be waiting when
I return."
        "What do you want me to do?"
        "I'd like you to keep them sorted, and, if you can remain
awake, read them and prepare summaries."
        "That seems simple enough," Athena said.
        "Oh, you think so?" Baltar asked, raising his brows.
"Dealing with data from all Twelve Colonies?  At least I won't be
here to distract you."  He gave her one of his mischievous smiles.
        "Where are you going?"
        "Unfortunately, that is confidential Council business," he
said, his smile fading, replaced by a dissatisfied expression.
        "I guess I shouldn't have asked."
        "No, it's quite all right.  I can tell you that the
Council is taking advantage of my family's shipping business.
Since the business involves supplying outer colonies and outposts
with supplies, and, naturally, returning with raw materials for
the inner colonies, the Council feels that I would be ideal to
pursue their little matter."
        "Why is that?" she asked.
        "The Council feels an official delegation would draw
unwarranted attention," Baltar continued, appearing to be
uncomfortable about something, "and since I have some experience
and logical reason to attend to this matter, the Council asked me
to.um.gather some information for them.  Off the record, of
course."
        "If it's Council business - "
        "Haven't you realized by now that the Council works in
mysterious ways?" He leaned closer to her, his voice dropping to
that mock conspiratorial level of his.
        "It seems - well - devious," Athena said.  "Why can't they
conduct business openly?"
        "At the moment, this is not actual Council business.  It
is merely an inquiry into possible options that the Council may
want to pursue."
        "That sounds like a politician talking."  She smiled at
him, a hint of teasing in her voice.
        "Yes," Baltar said, returning her smile, "contorted to the
point of meaningless."  He paused and then sighed.  "I'm sorry,
but I am bound by Council edict to maintain confidentiality."
        "I think I understand," she said.  "Sometimes.sometimes in
the fleet, the officers feel it is better not to give full details
of a mission to all Warriors."
        "Really?" Baltar asked, resting his elbows on his desk and
propping his chin up with his hands, giving her all his
attention.  "How do they know what to do?"
        "Oh, they're given details of their individual missions
and the objectives of their own squadron.  It's just felt that it
might be too much information and too confusing if they knew what
every squadron was doing.  It might lead to one squadron
interfering with another squadron's operation."
        "Ah, I see you paid attention at the Academy and now
you're in the process of applying all that theory to real life
applications."
        "I'm trying," she said, feeling as if she needed his
approval.

"I think you're doing marvelously well," he smiled and stood up.
"Now, let's change places."  He assisted her into his own high-
backed black chair behind the desk.  He leaned over her and
brought up the system on the console incorporated into the
desktop.  "I'll show you how this system works, so you can keep
track of my Council missive while I'm away."
        "How?  I don't have access to your system," Athena said,
acutely aware of his presence over her shoulder.  She could even
feel his breath on her cheek as he spoke.
        "I'll give you my keycodes."  Baltar said, while entering
them.
        "But what about security protocols?"  She was appalled by
his willingness to just hand them over to her.
        "What about them?  I trust you."
        "How do you know you can trust me?"
        "One," he said, sitting in the side chair and began
counting off on his fingers, "I feel I can trust you.  Two, since
you were assigned to be my liaison, you likely have a security
authorization comparable to mine.  Three, I'm sure Council
Security monitors this system, especially anything that is coded
`private', so it's not secret anyway.  Four, if I couldn't trust
you, you wouldn't be asking."  He gave her his conspiratorial
smile, then added, "you weren't planning on sending out insulting
missives under my name, were you?"
        "No, why would I do that?"
        "Perhaps you're in collusion with the Caprican Councilor
and want to discredit me.  He is in an unusual situation holding,
both a civilian and military position," Baltar said in an
offhanded manner.
        "I'm not in collusion with him," Athena said, but could
hardly help wondering if she unknowingly was.
        "Then I don't have to worry about it, do I?"
        "No." She shook her head.
        "Besides I'd trust you with more than rather insignificant
Council business," he said, giving her one of those adoring, yet
suggestive, glances.  Athena blushed, lowering his gaze, and he
laughed.
        "Do you do this often?"
        "Do what often?"
        "Try to seduce your assistants?"
        "No.  You're unique.  It's a wonder there are any
unattached men on Caprica; I would have thought they would have
all dueled to the death to have the privilege of being your
suitor."
        "Your Council speeches must be impressive," Athena
giggled.
        "Oh?  I thought they were fairly dull myself."
        "Your speeches to me aren't dull.  I'm amazed at what you
dare to say, even the first time I met you."
        "What can I say?  I wasn't expecting to have such a lovely
liaison and then you walked in, taking me by surprise.  I had to
say something to get your attention."
        "You got my attention, all right." Athena agreed.  "You
didn't even know who I was."
        "No.but I knew I wanted to."
        "Are you satisfied now?"
        "I won't be satisfied until I marry you."  Although Baltar
laughed, Athena could hear a nervous undertone in it.
        "You seem thoroughly convinced of that."
        "I believe it was meant to be.  I only have to persuade
you that it is."  He took her hands in his.  Athena did not doubt
his sincerity in his conviction.  After all she had felt the same
regarding Starbuck.  However, while she had know Starbuck for
yahrens, so little time had passed since she had even met the
Sagitaran Councilor.  How could even he know so soon?
        "You still barely even know me."
        "Life is too short," he said quietly.  "I made that
mistake once."
        "Sharraya?"
        "Yes, but at least we did have a few yahrens together.
Mostly I regret."  His voice trailed off as his thoughts went
elsewhere, then just as suddenly he returned his attention to
Athena.  "No, I shouldn't burden you with this.  It's unfair.
Forgive me."
        "I don't mind.  We all have things we regret.  That's part
of life also."
        "It is, but not just now.  I'm afraid this Council session
is forcing me to dwell on every possible ramification of certain
things."  He released her hands and rubbed his temples, appearing
tired.
        "Perhaps we should go somewhere and eat," she suggested.
        "A glass of liquid sunshine would be nice."
        "Liquid sunshine?" she asked.
        "Yes, kafe, java, whatever they call it on Caprica.  This
can wait."  He nodded, shutting down the system and then gave her
a curious look when she didn't respond.  "What's wrong?"
        "I just realized I'm sounding like my mother."
        "Or a concerned wife."  He teased, the sparkle coming back
into his eyes.  As they stood, he took her arm.
        "You're going to wear me down until I agree from sheer
exhaustion."
        "RealIy?" he asked.  "Then I shall have to redouble my
efforts."

THE PAST - Caprica City (continued)

        With the Council taking an extended recess, her father
also had plans to make a trip.  It was at home during a family
dinner that he mentioned it.  With Apollo and Zac aboard the
_Galactica_, it was just her and her parents in the airy,
comfortable dining room, the windows overlooking Caprica City and
the mountains that surrounded it.
        "Would you like to take the opportunity to visit the
_Galactica_?" Adama asked her.
        "For how long?" Athena responded.
        "For a secton or two.  As long as the Council is in
recess."
        "Councilor Baltar asked me to do something for him during
that time," Athena said, noting the slight grimace that passed
over her father's face at the mention of Baltar.
        "He has?"  Adama responded with a neutral expression, or,
at least, as neutral as he could manage.
        "He said the Council would keep up business among
themselves and he wanted me to keep the reports and missives
sorted so he wouldn't waste time reviewing them when he
returned."  Vaguely Athena hoped her father would approve of
Baltar's willingness to attempt efficiency for the Council's sake.
        "Doesn't he have a Sagitaran staff for that?" Adama asked,
not appearing very impressed.
        "I thought I was part of his staff until I received other
orders," Athena said, a bit confused.
        "Yes, dear," Ila reminded her husband, "she is on his
staff for the time being."
        "Of course," Adama nodded, "I just thought you might like
to visit your friends.  Perhaps, Starbuck?"
        "I don't think he's missing me," Athena said.  She saw
Adama exchange a quick glance with Ila.
        "It's nice your Councilor has placed such trust in you,"
Ila said.  "You must have impressed him."
        "He says I have."  However, she found herself reluctant to
divulge just how he had been impressed.
        "That's good to hear.  Isn't it, dear?"  Ila smiled.
        "Yes, but we've always known that our daughter is quite
accomplished," Adama agreed.
        "I don't understand why the Council is recessing," Athena
said, uncomfortable with such praise.  "They haven't done that
before."
        "No, the Council hasn't.  This session is unique.  Didn't
Councilor Baltar tell you?" Adama asked.
        "No.  He said it was confidential.  All he said was that
he was making a trip on behalf of the Council and it necessitated
that he would be out of contact until he returned."
        "That's true."
        "He didn't seem to like it."
        "Sometimes we're required to do things we don't like,"
Adama said quietly.
        "He'll be all right, won't he?" Athena asked, surprised at
herself when she felt a sudden feeling of concern for Baltar's
safety.
        "He should be," Adama answered, although Athena noticed he
had that optimistic expression that he used when giving out orders
to viper pilots before a mission.
        "Don't let it worry you," Ila said soothingly.  "It's not
unusual for the Council to pursue classified matters.  Even your
father doesn't tell me everything."
        "But." Athena began.
        "It's probably some boring thing anyway," Ila continued,
"and the Council just doesn't want him distracted.  You are going
to the reception tomorrow night with him, aren't you?"
        "He did ask me to keep him company," Athena said.
"There's no harm in that, is there?"

        At the Presidium, the reception was unusually active, even
festive, as most of those attending knew that there was a break in
the Council proceedings and they could also rest.  This sense of
release was not shared by the Sagitaran Councilor, and Athena
noticed an agitation in his manner that cropped up at times during
the evening.
        "Are you ever afraid?" Athena asked him as they danced a
Gemonese Gavotte.
        "Afraid?"  Baltar looked down at her, surprised by her
question.
        "Of making a wrong decision?"
        "Just about every day," he answered with an intimate smile
as if sharing a secret.
        "You?  A Councilor?" She looked up at him, her blue eyes
wide.  Her father never seemed to have second thoughts.
        "Yes, and being a Councilor just makes it even more
frightening because I have to remember my decisions affect
others."
        "I didn't know that.  Is that what is bothering you."
        "My, you're observant," he said, admiration in his eyes.
Admiration which turned to amusement.  "I must be slipping as a
politician."
        "I can't tell that.perhaps I've just had time to get to
know you."
        "Well, then, would you put your trust in someone who
vacillates and who doubts himself?"
        "Sometimes it's comforting to know he has the same
struggles with decisions as other people." She smiled, relaxing in
his arms letting him lead her steps in time to the lyrical rhythms
of the dance.
        "It's of greater comfort to be able to share those
struggles with another," he murmured, allowing himself to relax as
he danced with her.  It wasn't until the music changed and they
were engaged in a Virgonese Valse that he spoke again.
        "Athena, when I'm with you I feel something I haven't felt
in a long time," Baltar said quietly, the lilt in his voice almost
matching the music.
        "What's that?" she asked.
        "Hope."
        "Hope?" she echoed, unsure of how it related to her.
        "Yes, for the future."  For a fleeting moment he looked
uncomfortable, hesitant, and then he smiled.  It was different
than his usual merry grin; this had a nervous timbre to it.  He
took a deep breath.  "I hope.I hope I might have a future.with
you."
        She looked up at him unable to say a word.  Her feet
suddenly felt as if they were moving of their own accord through
the steps of the dance.  A shiver ran down her spine and she
became very aware of the tension now in his hand and arm that
encircled her waist.
        "I never dreamed." she whispered.  She had always expected
it would be Starbuck.  But she had to admit that with each passing
day that expectation seemed ever more unlikely.  Starbuck seemed
to be finding other ways to keep himself occupied, ways that
didn't include her.  "I barely know you; you hardly know me," she
said finally.
        Inwardly she berated herself.  It was an excuse similar to
Starbuck's to stall off the inevitable decision, the type of
excuse that she disliked.
        "I'm asking you for that opportunity," he said with the
undercurrent of apprehension still evident.
        "I would like that," she said.  She saw the relief and
elation in his eyes as he brought her hand up to his lips to give
it a brief kiss.
        "Shall we go and drink to our future?"


PART 6


"You two got whammed last night, didn't you?" - Captain Edmund
Blackadder


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_

        "Ah.the lovely socialator returns." Baltar said as Cassie
entered the room to update his medical information.
        "That was in the past," Cassie said, attending to her
duties.
        "Was it?  You can tell Adama that sending a socialator to
use her charms to obtain any information from me won't work."  He
gave her a sly smile.
        "Commander Adama did not send me."  Cassie busied herself
taking notes of his bio-signs as displayed on the equipment.
        "It's also a tactic I do not think would be appreciated by
my wife," he said pleasantly, as if unconcerned.  Surprised,
Cassie looked up at him.  He was grinning, but again he had that
scrutiny in his eyes that had unnerved her the previous day.
        "I thought you said."
        "That was also in the past.  Scorpia, remember?"  He
raised a hand to emphasize his words.
        "Where is she now?"
        "You're asking me?" He said, apparently amused by her
question.  "I suppose she was killed like so many others.or,
perhaps, you know her whereabouts?"
        "I don't know," Cassie answered, although her thoughts
were making some connections which didn't seem possible.
        "Well, if you should ever know, don't condemn her for
anything that I - alone - caused by my regrettable actions."
Despite his seeming arrogance, Cassie thought she caught the
briefest flicker of sorrow in his eyes.


THE PAST - Caprica City

        During his absence, Athena read, sorted and summarized
reports and missives sent to his office.  There was nothing
remarkable about any individual document which contained Colonial
economic date, military budgets and expenditures, and fund
allocations for reconstruction of civilian areas that had suffered
from Cylon attacks.
        However, she found odd trends in the aggregate data.
        Over the yahrens, there had been a steady increase in
funds used for the reconstruction of civilian residences,
businesses, transportation, and similar aid, yet the rate of the
civilian revenue representing the raw resources mined, the
finished goods manufactured, and the provided services of
individual workers, had not increased.  It had leveled off and
even declined in recent yahrens.
        Most surprising was that military expenditures had shown a
similar plateau, despite the need to replace the Pegasus and the
Fifth Fleet that had been lost two yarhens ago.  Athena knew that
it took time to construct similar ships to replace the ones lost
and to train the needed crews, but it seemed as if the Colonies
were unwilling - or unable - to find the materials and labour fast
enough to address the weakness in Colonial defenses.
        She found herself impatient for his return.  Whether it
was to ask him about what she had noticed in his reports or
because she missed him, she couldn't decide.

        Athena was at his desk sorting through the latest batch of
Council missives, when Baltar walked in.  Although he looked tired
and out-of-sorts, he gave her a wide smile when he saw her.
        "You're back," Athena said, starting to stand.
        "No, don't get up," he said and settled into the desk's
side chair.  "You look like you belong there; perhaps being a
Councilor suits you."
        "I'm not a Councilor."
        "Who would notice the difference?" he asked, his dark eyes
sparkling.
        "I think the other Councilors would notice," Athena
answered and smiled.
        "Oh, not if you stayed right here behind this desk and
just sent missives."
        "Wouldn't they be suspicious during meetings when your
chair at the Council's table was unoccupied?"
        "Who says it would be unoccupied?" Baltar whispered,
leaning towards her.  "I could attend and just do as you
mandate."  He seized her hand and kissed it.
        "Wouldn't Sagitara be upset when they found out a Caprican
was actually representing them?" she asked and laughed.
        "Oh, I suppose the Sagitaran royal government would be a
bit put out," he answered, dismissively.  Then he gave her one of
his amused looks.  "But, if you married me, they wouldn't have the
grounds to object."
        "Are you serious?" she asked, giggling.
        "Of course, I'm serious.  I've had several sectons to
think about it."  Again, he kissed her hand and looked into her
eyes.  "I think you would make a lovely Councilor."
        "Oh, you." she pulled her hand from his and lightly
swatted his arm.
        "I missed you," Baltar said and laughed.  "Did you miss
me?"
        "Well, of course, I did," Athena said sweetly, leaning
towards him, then she straighten up and waved at the stacks of
hard copy reports on his desk.  "What am I suppose to do with all
this?"
        "All right," he laughed, "I deserved that.  Before you, my
taskmaster, set me back to work, can't I relax a little
while.hmmm?"
        "Are you talking about tonight's soiree at the Presidium?"
        "Oh, Lords, are they having another one of those?"  Baltar
moaned.
        "You don't want to go to your welcoming back party?"
        "Is that what they are calling this one?"
        "Not specifically, but it is meant to signify the
reconvening of the Council" Athena said, recalling her mother
fussing over what to do when everyone returned after several
sectons.  Ila had decided that a reception would ease everyone
back into the proceedings.
        "Then I suppose we should attend."


[Or this could be an IFB presentation of Warrior Screw-ups and
Fleetwide Practical Jokes.  Friends and family of Starbuck may
want to look away...]

THE PAST - Caprica City (continued)


        "Where are you going, Starbuck?" Apollo asked as he and
Boomer entered the pilots' barracks aboard the _Galactica_.
        "Caprica," Starbuck answered, taking his dress uniform out
of his locker.  "Your father wants me to pilot his shuttle back
and to do a favour for him."  He looked irritated as he folded the
uniform and stuffed it into his bag.
        "Just you?  No one else?" Boomer asked.
        "Just me." Starbuck smiled, although it was closer to a
grimace.
        "Well, what for?" Apollo persisted.
        "I get to chaperone your sister."
        "Isn't she a little old for that?" Boomer laughed.  "Not
to mention most fathers wouldn't want YOU chaperoning their
daughters."
        "I tried telling her father that.  It didn't work."
        "Can't the Commander do something if there is a problem?"
        "He said Ila would never forgive him if he recalled Athena
to the _Galactica_."  Starbuck smirked, looking at Apollo.  "I
guess we know who has the final word in your family."
        "You still haven't told us why you're going to be
performing chaperone duties," Apollo said, ignoring Starbuck's
remark.
        "Because your father wants me to distract Athena from some
other guy who is showing an interest in her."
        "Oh, the famous Starbuck charm," Boomer nodded, patting
Starbuck's shoulder.
        "It's more like one of those sappy operettas."
        "I thought you and Athena had gone separate ways," Apollo
said.
        "In a manner of speaking," Starbuck fidgeted.
        "Wasn't the Commander ready for you and Athena to set up
house?" Boomer asked.  "Perhaps he still has hopes?  Wants to make
you jealous?"
         "Frak, I feel like he's got a gun to my head," Starbuck
muttered.  "No offense," he added to Apollo.
        "None taken."  Apollo laughed.  "I know how intense my
father can be."
        "And the sad part is we don't get to watch the fun,"
Boomer said.
        "Yeah, thanks for the support."

         That evening at the Presidium's grand hall, Adama and Ila
once again acted as hosts for the reception to mark the Council's
return.  Ila was surprised to see an additional familiar face as
Starbuck casually strolled over towards them.
        "That wasn't very subtle of you," Ila said to Adama.
        "I had to do something," Adama said, looking
uncomfortable, "before Athena makes the biggest mistake of her
life."
        "Dear, I told you." she refrained from further comment as
Starbuck joined them.
        "Good evening, Commander, Siress," Starbuck said
cheerfully.
        "Good evening, Lieutenant," Ila responded graciously.
        "Um.have you seen Athena?" Starbuck asked.
        "Why, no, we haven't."
        "Really?  I thought she was here," Starbuck said, glancing
at Adama.
        "Oh, she's here somewhere," Adama said, glaring at someone
across the room.  Starbuck turned and saw that Adama was
apparently looking at a tall, dark-haired man who was wearing the
white robes of a Councilor.  He was chatting with a pretty woman,
but it wasn't Athena.
        "Is that him?"
        "Excuse me?" Ila asked.
        "Oh.I heard I had competition," Starbuck said hastily.
        "Isn't that interesting?  I wonder who told you."  Ila
turned to Adama who was making it a point not to meet her gaze.
        "Didn't you read it in the gossip sheets?" Starbuck asked,
giving her a surprised look.  "I mean, all these people here, the
news; it's going to provide fodder for the gossip mongers."
        "Yes, I suppose it does," Ila agreed and smiled at someone
apparently beyond Starbuck.  "And look who is here.  Hello, dear."
        "I knew it was you," Starbuck heard Athena's voice behind
him.  He turned and saw her.
        "Wow." Starbuck said, short of words for once as he looked
at her in amazement.  She was wearing a light blue dress with
silver trimming which displayed quite a bit of her charm and
figure.
        "Starbuck, what are you doing here?" she asked, clearly
irritated.
        "Oh.uh.I piloted the Commander's shuttle down here.  You
look gorgeous."
        "Thank you," Athena said, her expression softening.
        "Since I'm here, and in my dress uniform, would you like
to dance?"
        "I wouldn't want you to have wasted the trip down here,
now, wouldn't I?" Athena said, allowing Starbuck to lead her onto
the dance floor.

        After they had settled into the steps and rhythm of an old
Virgonese Valse, Starbuck felt comfortable enough to chat.  For
some time, they talked about trivial things: the pilots' training
schedule, how Zac was settling in aboard the Galactica, the
weather on Caprica.
        "You seem distracted tonight.  Don't you enjoy my company
anymore?" Starbuck finally asked Athena.  She couldn't help but
notice that while Starbuck executed the movements easily, he
didn't seem to be comfortable with them.  It was just something he
had been required to learn while at the Academy as part of
officer's training to learn proper social etiquette for events
such as this.  Councilor Baltar, on the other hand, was at ease
with these dances and gave every indication of enjoying them.  At
least with her he did.
        "Of course, I enjoy your company," she answered.  "What
woman wouldn't enjoy basking in the famous Starbuck charm?  I just
know you would be happier elsewhere."
        "You're right on that count.  Give me a pyramid table any
day."  He gave her one of his most disarming grins.
        "So.you don't want to be with me?"
        "I didn't mean it that way."  He winced, trying to
explain.  "It's the surroundings.  You know I'm nervous around
high society types and I can't really enjoy your company in the
middle of a crowded dance floor."
        "But other players at a pyramid table are all right?"
Athena said.  She knew it was a bit unfair to him, but she felt it
needed to be asked.
        "Athena, come on." Starbuck gave her that hurt, boyish
look that he had perfected.  Athena had to admit some secret
satisfaction as he made attempts to regain some ground with her.
He then switched to another of his tried-and-true gambits; he
redirected the conversation to her.  "Uh.what are you doing here
anyway?"
        "It's part of my duties as a Council liaison."
        "Going to high class, boring social gatherings?"
        "The Councilor asked me to.  What did you want me to do?
Wait for him in the cloak room?"
        "No, but doesn't it seem.er.rude of him to impose on your
evenings after work?"
        "So you want me to sit at home?" Athena retorted, her brow
furrowing in annoyance.  She looked away from Starbuck and saw
Councilor Baltar standing next to Tesha on the sidelines
watching.  Baltar caught Athena's glance and smiled, lifting his
hand and gestured "Just a moment" to her.  Athena watched as he
said something to Tesha who nodded.
        "Yes, what were you saying?" Athena asked Starbuck who had
been trying to apologize.
        "I said, I could use some ambrosia after all this
exercise," Starbuck finished up as the music ended.
        "I'm sure they have some here."
        "How about you?  Would you like a glass?" Starbuck
chattered on as he escorted her off the dance floor.
        They were intercepted by Baltar and Tesha.
        "Ah, Lieutenant Athena, how fortunate that I should run
into you," Baltar said cheerfully before turning to Starbuck.  "If
I could just borrow your colleague for a micron - " he paused to
interpret the rank markings on Starbuck's uniform " - Lieutenant,
I'd like to confirm my morning schedule with my liaison."
        "Sure.I suppose so," Starbuck said rather daunted by
civilian authority.
        "And not to leave you lacking for a dance partner, Tesha
here has graciously agreed to keep you company while I occupy
yours with unfortunate, but necessary, Council business."  He
introduced Tesha who gave Starbuck a flirtatious flutter of her
eyelashes.  It did not escape Athena's notice that Starbuck looked
interested in a new conquest, yet she was relieved to have his
attention elsewhere.
        With a smooth, elegant movement, Baltar quickly took
Athena's arm and led her away.
        "You don't need to confirm your schedule," Athena said.
"All you have is a Council meeting the entire morning."
        "Your Lieutenant doesn't know that," he laughed.  "And you
seemed unhappy on the dance floor with him.  I couldn't leave you
to that fate."

        At the top of the room, Adama and Ila had been observing
them.
        "Frak, lost that battle - " Adama growled.
        "Dear, I think you and Starbuck have lost the war," Ila
sighed.


THE PAST - Caprica City (continued)

        A few nights later, Baltar enticed Athena into an evening
away from the Presidium and the Council.
        "Tiranna.this is the most expensive place in the city, if
not the whole of Caprica," Athena said as he handed her out of the
sleek black groundcar.  The building was illuminated by numerous
golden lights making the ornate edifice look like a dream against
the velvet midnight sky.
        "I think you're worth it." Baltar took her arm and
escorted her into the establishment.  "Besides, I don't want to
rescue you from any handsome, young Warriors tonight.or would you
prefer to be with him?"
        "What would give you that idea?" Athena asked.
        "He apparently braved a Council reception to see you."
        "He saw me and when he saw your niece, he decided he had
seen enough of me."
        "Well, I don't think I can ever see enough of you," Baltar
whispered into her ear.
        They were met by the major-domo who quietly and
efficiently led them to a private dining room on one of the upper
floors.  As they were seated, Athena gazed in wonder at the vista
of the city below which seemed a reflection of the stars in the
night sky above.  She heard Baltar request ambrosia from the major-
domo who left to fetch it.
        "You needn't have done this." Athena said.  "I would have
been happy just to sit on the embassy's balcony."
        "But I wanted to," he smiled.  "I wanted to go where we
wouldn't be disturbed."
        "We could have just gone to your office."
        "My office?  I spend too much time there as it is.  Ah,
here we go," he said as the major-domo returned with a bottle of
ambrosia and two stemmed crystal goblets which he served
expertly.  Athena waited until the major-domo had left before she
glanced at the bottle's label.
        "This is the most expensive stuff in the Colonies," she
gasped, amazed and then looked at him.  "What are you scheming?"
        "Me?  Scheming?  Athena, I'm hurt you should think so of
me."  Despite his words, his eyes glittered with amusement.
        "It has to be one of your politician's tricks," Athena
said.
        "No.they don't seem to work on you.  You're far too
perceptive."
        "What do you mean by that?"
        "And then there is your charming innocence," he smiled,
handing her a glass of the rose-colored liquid.
        "Have I just been insulted?" Athena asked.
        "No, or, at least, I didn't intend to.  It's something I
find quite appealing, to have you speak to me and not to the
Councilor."
        "But you are a Councilor."
        "I hold the position of Councilor; I'm just the current
office holder," he said and laughed softly.  "Actually you don't
even seem impressed by my high office.  It's almost as if you're
so accustomed to it, you don't even notice."
        "Should I have?" Athena asked him, realizing that she
hadn't taken any more notice of his political status than her
father's and while she knew her father was a Councilor, as well as
a Commander, she had always known him firstly as her father.
        "I wouldn't have liked it," Baltar said and raised his
glass.  "To my dear liaison."
        "Oh, no, if you do that, then I'll be forced to toast the
Councilor," Athena said, blushing.
        "To my dear Athena." Again he raised his glass.
        "I can't toast myself."
        "Athena, you noticed yourself that this is the very best
ambrosia, to not offer up a toast to your divine beauty and lovely
self would be a sin," he entreated her.  "Please, indulge me."
        "If you insist," Athena murmured, "but only to satisfy
you."  She raised her glass slightly and he nodded before they
sipped.  Although Athena could taste the exquisite sweetness of
the ambrosia, she couldn't be sure the intoxication she felt was
from the drink and not from his words.

        They were on their second bottle when a flash of light in
the night sky caught Athena's eye.  She set down her glass and
surveyed the sky outside the windows.
        "What's wrong?" Baltar asked, looking in the direction of
her gaze.
        "I thought I saw."
        "A shooting star, perhaps?" he mused.  She heard a trace
of concern in his voice.  Although Caprica was one of the
innermost Colonies, there was always the possibility of a Cylon
raid.
        "There, again," Athena said, noting a tiny flash that most
would have overlooked.
        "How could that - "
        His words were cut off by a piercing klaxon which
shattered the evening's peace.  The view to the outside was
blocked off as blast shields slid across the windows.  The room's
ambiance itself changed as the subdued illumination was replaced
by harsh emergency lighting.
        Athena jumped up and ran to the door which refused to
open, which she guessed was due to a lock down procedure.
         "Where did you think you were going?" Baltar asked behind
her.  A moment later she felt his hands on her shoulders.
        "There's an attack."  She turned to face him.  Fortunately
the alarm in the building ceased sparing their hearing.
        "Your sense of duty is commendable, but you can't do
anything at the moment."  Despite his calm voice, Athena could see
worry and sadness in his eyes.
        "But I should be able to do something."
        "Yes, you should.  You should keep yourself safe until
this is over."
        "But other people - "
        "Yes, I know.  Sharraya was one of them."  She heard his
voice tremble a bit at the name, and she remembered something he
had said about his wife being a casualty.
        "I just feel so helpless."
        "Trust those who are on duty to do their jobs," he said,
taking her hands.  Athena's thoughts immediately went to those on
duty.
        "The _Galactica_.," she gasped, blue eyes wide, "my
family."
        "Your family is on the _Galactica_?  I didn't think that
was permitted."
        "The crew.they're like my family."  She winced, not
wanting to mention her father just yet.
        "Ah, yes, of course," he said softly.  "I believe you
served on board before your present assignment."
        "Yes, I do serve aboard the _Galactica_."
        "Isn't that Adama's ship?"
        "He does have command of it," Athena said.
        "Not at the moment," Baltar said and gave her a smile.
"Unless he departed straight from the Council's last meeting, even
he can't get to it. So, you see, even he has had to entrust his
safety to others for the time being."
        "I suppose so."
        "Doesn't the _Galactica_ have some of the most highly
regarded Viper pilots on board?  Like.now what was his
name?...Star-something.Starstruck.Starluck.?"
        "Starbuck," Athena said.  She couldn't help a tiny smile
at the incorrect variations Baltar supplied and how they even
seemed to fit Starbuck regardless.
        "Now I remember - Lieutenant Starbuck.  Isn't he supposed
to be among the best?"
        "Yes."
        "Then you have nothing to worry about, but if it makes you
feel better, you can keep me safe."
        "How?  You're already as safe as you can be."
        "And so are you, as is Caprica.but I do have a bottle of
very expensive ambrosia that is in danger of going to waste," he
smiled and nodded towards the table.  "Or we can think of it as
something to calm our nerves while waiting."

       The next morning, bright sunlight warmed Athena's face as
she slowly woke.  Her thoughts were more than a little fuzzy as
she stretched and opened her eyes.  An unfamiliar burgundy and
gold color scheme surrounded her. She was lying on a divan
underneath an ornate burgundy coverlet.
        As she saw the empty bottle and glasses on the small table
near her, the memories of the previous night started to return.
Her dress was hanging across the back of a chair next to the
table.  As she reached out to retrieve it, she became aware of
something restricting her - his arm draped over her shoulder.  She
looked to her other side and saw him still asleep next to her.
        What had she - they - done?  While waiting for the all-
clear announcement, they had drank the very expensive bottle of
ambrosia and when they had finished that, they had sought comfort
in each other.  She quietly slipped out from under his arm,
retrieved her dress, and stepped into it, pulling it up over her
slip.  Behind her she heard him stir and groan.  She looked to see
that he had thrown his arm over his eyes, blocking out the
sunlight.
        A light tapping came from the door.  When she went to it
and touched the controls, unlike the previous night, it slid
open.  Two rescue personnel were standing there, one with a list.
        "We're doing a check.  Are you two all right?"
        "Yes." Athena answered.
        "You're sure?"  The other looked around her and indicated
the Councilor.
        "Yes, yes, he's fine," Athena said quickly.  "He's just
asleep.  We had a long night."
        "Uh-huh, I'll bet you did," he nodded with a grin that was
annoyingly like Starbuck's.
        "Well, thank you for checking," Athena said, closing the
door as they went on.
        "I wonder how long it will take for this to make the
gossip sheets," a drowsy voice said behind her.
        "Hopefully, never."  Athena turned and saw him rubbing his
eyes.  She seized the white Councilor's robe that had been
discarded on the floor and threw it at him.
        "Oh, you don't want to be romantically linked to me?"  He
said, disentangling his robe and slipping it on over his
undershirt and trousers.
        "Not in some tawdry gossip sheet."
        "Then perhaps in something more appropriate?  The _Caprica
City Courier_ society pages?" he asked, standing.
        "Perhaps, in the future."
        "As we were reminded last night, sometimes the future is
uncertain for any one of us."
        "I.we.barely know each other."
        "I think we know each other well enough to make a few
decisions.  All else is just detail."  He went to her and took her
hands.
        "Such as?" Athena whispered, a shiver running down her
spine.
        "Whether or not we should make things more formal."
        "I don't understand."
        "I meant to do this last night before we were so rudely
interrupted."  Although he smiled, it was different from his usual
expression.  This smile was nervous, furtive, and held a hint of
fear.  "Will you do me the honor of allowing me to be your
husband?"
        "I guess you still respect me this morning," Athena said
weakly.
        "Of course, I do," he said and laughed.  There was the
same edge to it that Athena had heard the night he had first
revealed the depths of his feelings for her and his eyes held the
same anxious fear.  As she looked into his eyes, she felt
overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.  For sometime she had dreamed
of such a moment, but it had never seemed possible that it would
be with someone other than Starbuck.
        "Are you thinking of your handsome, young warrior?" he
asked softly.
        "Just a bit," she confessed.  For the slightest instance,
he appeared disappointed but quickly seemed to accept matters.
"I'm thinking he doesn't matter as much to me anymore."
          Athena could see hope return to him, along with the
nervous tension as his hands became rigid.  Although she could
understand Starbuck's reluctance to make a commitment to her now
that she was faced with making the same decision, she also
realized that his reluctance had been a decision in itself.
        "Yes, I will allow you to be my husband," she said.
        "You will marry me?" He asked, almost in a daze as if he
needed confirmation.
        "Yes, I will," she smiled.
        "Oh, Lords, Athena, I love you."  He said and caught her
in a tight embrace.


[Friends and family of just about everyone may want to look
away...or just think of it as a weird parallel universe...]



PART 7





"Your reality, sir, is lies and balderdash and I'm delighted to
say that I have no grasp of it whatsoever." -  Baron Munchausen





THE PRESENT - _Galactica_



       With that unerring sense honed by yahrens of duty, Omega
felt the newcomer enter in the bridge before turning to see who it
was.  He relaxed when he recognized the familiar brown uniform and
the casual attitude of Lieutenant Starbuck.  It did seem a bit
strange that he was without either of his usual compatriots,
Captain Apollo or Lieutenant Boomer, but since it wasn't Siress
Tinia, Omega thought nothing more of it.

       Starbuck strolled over to Athena and leaned over to address
her.

       "So, when are you off duty?"

       "In a centar or so," she answered, looking up at him.

       "Do you have any plans?"

       "Yes, return to the barracks and get some sleep."  Then
realizing this was Starbuck she was speaking to, she added:
"Alone."

       "I was just wondering if you'd like to join me and
Cassiopeia for a late night drink," Starbuck said, ignoring her
jab.


       "Why?  Have you joined that Aerian Society of Bakkhus?"

       "What?  Who are they?" Starbuck asked, looking truly
baffled.

       "People who believe in free love, preferably with multiple
partners at the same time."

       "Really?  How did I miss hearing about this?"

       "I don't know.  Maybe you don't like competition?"

       "I'm not that bad - " he started and then noticed her
friendly smile. "Oh.right.  So you're willing?"

       "Sure, why not?" Athena shrugged.



       A centar later at the Officers' Club, Cassiopeia and Athena
retired to a corner table while Starbuck went to fetch mugs of
grog. Since it was the ship's night shift, there were few others
in the room.

       "How have you been?" Cassie asked Athena.

       "As well as can be expected," Athena said.

       "I just wanted to let you know your.er.friend is doing
better."

       "That's good."  Athena shifted uneasily in her chair and
glanced at Starbuck still occupied at the bar.

       "He's spoken to me a few times."

       "He has?" Athena looked startled.  Cassie could see worry
and fear in Athena's eyes.  Fear, no doubt, for what Baltar may
have said.

       "He was asking after his wife."  Cassie said.  She had no
proof, only a suspicion.  On that suspicion, she had checked what
records she had available, even Athena's.  And based on emergency
medical treatment Athena had received shortly after the
Destruction, there was a certainty that Athena had been involved
with someone, but no husband or father had been listed in what few
notes had been made.

       "Felgercarb," Athena said, strangely quiet.  "You haven't
said anything to anyone?"

       "No.  Confidentiality is something that medtechs have in
common with socialators, unless there is a need to contact a next
of kin."


       "Look, Cassie, it's over," Athena said desperately.
"There's nothing I can do.  There's nothing anyone can do.  And it
would be better if my father never knew."

       "Never knew what?" Starbuck asked, setting down three mugs.

       "Nothing." Athena insisted.

       "Why do I feel so uninformed lately?" Starbuck asked
merrily. "First, I find out there's this really interesting Aerian
Society and now."  He settled into an empty chair at the table.

       "What Aerian Society?" Cassie asked, taking a mug.

       "The one Athena was telling me about."  Starbuck smiled and
raised his mug before drinking.

       "The Society of Bakkhus," Athena explained in a subdued
voice.

       "They let those amateurs - " Cassie broke off, but not
before it was evident that there was professional dislike
involved, if not rivalry.

       "Athena, are you all right?" Starbuck asked.  "You look
like you've seen a phantom."

       "I'm fine," she said, grabbing a mug.  "It's been a long
day." She took a long drink.

       "You don't look fine.  Is it something I said?"

       "No, it isn't anything you said."

       "Is this about - uh - ?" Starbuck looked at Cassie, and
made a few motions with his free hand.

       "What is this?  Are we playing charades now?" Athena asked,
clearly irritated.

       "I wasn't intending to," Starbuck said, looking to Cassie
for help.

       "You know Starbuck," Cassie said to Athena, "always making
a joke of things."

       "This isn't a joke," Athena hissed.

       "I know it isn't."  Cassie tried to soothe Athena.  She
noticed that Starbuck looked concerned, almost guilty.  "I - well,
we - know that sometimes it helps to talk,"  Cassie added.  Athena
straightened up, glaring at them and Cassie was afraid she was
going to lose her temper, but then, almost as quickly, Athena
sighed wearily, her anger gone.

       "All right, if you must know," Athena said, then pointed at
Starbuck.  "And if you breathe a word of this to anyone,
especially my father or my brother, you'll - you'll - you'll be
missing the most cherished part of your male anatomy."

       "Ouch." Starbuck winced.



"We were involved on Caprica.  We were going to make it public
after the Armistice - the Destruction."  Athena paused to wipe
tears from her eyes.  "For obvious reasons, that didn't happen.  I
don't know why he hasn't said anything."

       "He doesn't want to cause you any more hurt," Cassie said
softly.

       "Oh, that's nice," Starbuck said and took a drink.  "Why
didn't he think of that before the Destruction?"

       "He did," Athena retorted sharply.

       "Wait, are you saying he didn't betray the Colonies?"
Starbuck asked.

       "I don't believe he betrayed the Colonies."

       "But you don't know for certain, do you?"

       "If I question what he did or did not do before the
Destruction of the Colonies, then I have to also question the
actions of the entire Council - including my father's."  Cassie
saw a flash of doubt in Athena's expression.

       "You don't have to," Starbuck insisted.  "Just look at his
behavior since the Destruction."

       "Starbuck, everyone has acted differently since then.
We're all just hanging on waiting - hoping - for something
better."  Athena shook her head.  "He's not a warrior - well, he
did serve the mandatory term - but that was some time ago.  He did
what he could to survive."

       "At what cost to others?" Starbuck asked, horrified.  "He's
helped the Cylons hunt us down."

       "Are you sure?" Quietly, Athena challenged him.

       "I saw him in command of a baseship," Starbuck said, so
aghast by her suggestion that he was barely able to get the words
out.


       "He let you go." Athena said calmly.  "You could even argue
that he created enough confusion among the Cylons to hinder their
efforts to make an effective attack against us.  You have to
admit, for a force which destroyed 12 worlds they've been pretty
bad when attacking the fleet."

       "ATHENA, ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Starbuck yelped, then looked
around sheepishly, remembering where he was.  Cassie saw the
others in the room watching them.  Long moments of silence held
forth until everyone returned to their own business.

       "I don't think I'm crazy," Athena murmured, "but if I were,
how would I know?  I think the universe is insane." She said, more
to herself than to Starbuck.  "I wish things could be as simple as
you seem to think they are."

       "Athena, you've lost it."

       "Have I?"  She looked at Starbuck intently.  "Why wasn't
there a proper trial?  Because there would have been too many
questions. Why wasn't he just executed?  Why wasn't he just
escorted to the nearest airlock and bid farewell?"  Now that
Athena mentioned it, Cassie thought this was odd.  Why hadn't
there been a formal trial when there had been one convened for
Starbuck when he had been charged for murder?

       "I don't know," Starbuck said, appearing muddled.  "The
Commander - "

       "Yes, my father who was on the same Council and who was
also one of the highest ranking military men on Caprica."

       "Assuming the Council was in on this, why?  What happened?"

       "The Colonies were losing the war," Athena said.  "After
the defeats at the Cosmora Archipelago and Molecay, it became
evident that the Colonies were losing the ability to defend
themselves from Cylon attacks."

       "But the Armistice." Starbuck's voice faded.  The despair
was evident in his expression.

       "It was apparently an attempt to mislead the Cylon forces,
so that the gathering of the Colonial battlestars would not be
questioned.  They were apparently going to make an offensive
strike against the Cylons."

       "You don't know this for certain." Starbuck grasped at
whatever shreds of the past he knew, even as it seemed to warp.
Cassie saw him struggling with this new interpretation of events.

       "No, I don't," Athena admitted.  "But I saw enough before
the Destruction to know that what people believe now is not
accurate either."


       "He - Baltar - still could have - " Starbuck stuttered.

       "Yes, he could have.  But I don't believe he did.  Why
would a man with a wife and - " Athena's voice caught, and then
she continued " - throw all that away?"  Although Athena remained
calm, Cassie could hear the anguish in her voice.

       "I don't know - wife?"  Starbuck asked, pushed off balance
even further.  "What wife?  Was he cheating on her?"

       "Starbuck, what are you talking about?"  Athena demanded.

       "Weren't you and he having an affair on Caprica?"

       "Starbuck - " Cassie began.

       "I thought you said he said he had a wife."  Starbuck
turned to Cassie.

       "He did," Cassie answered.

       "Well, then, he must have been cheating on her."

       "No, he wasn't," Athena said firmly.

       "Of course, he wouldn't tell you that he had a wife,"
Starbuck continued, his confusion reaching proportions that would
normally have had Cassie laughing.

       "Er.yes, he did," Athena said, a strange look on her face.

       "He did?"

       "Do you want to see the marriage contract?"

       "Why would you have his - " Starbuck stopped as the
unthinkable occurred to him.  "YOU?  You're his WIFE?"

       "I'm afraid so."

       "Does the Commander know?" Starbuck asked, his confusion
turning to alarm.

       "No."  Athena shook her head.

       "Frak!  He's going to go solenite."  Cassie again noticed
others in the room looking their way.  She gave them a smile and a
shrug as if to say:  "It's Starbuck, what can I do?"  She was
relieved when they nodded in return and went back to their own
conversations.

       "Only if you tell him," Athena told Starbuck.


       "I'm not telling him; I don't want to be caught in the
crossfire." Starbuck said, almost panicking.  Despite the
situation, Athena could not help laughing at Starbuck's reaction.

       "I'm glad you understand the problem."

       "Frak, I need a drink, something stronger than this,"
Starbuck muttered, downing the rest of his mug of grog in one
shot.


. THE PAST - Caprica City



       Athena was in a daze when she arrived home.  His proposal
still seemed unreal to her.  She had the odd feeling that she
would wake up any moment and find herself on the _Galactica_ with
no more to anticipate then the beginning of her next duty shift.

       As she opened the door, her mother greeted her, relief
clearly on her face.

       "Thank the Lords, you're all right," Ila said.

       "Was it bad?" Athena asked, automatically slipping into the
mental thought processes required for her position aboard the
_Galactica_.

       "Fortunately, the Cylon raiders were intercepted before
they reached the surface of any Colony and our losses were
minimal."

       "Apollo?  Starbuck?" Athena asked.

       "They're fine.  I expect they'll have to up the tallies on
their vipers.  Zac was disappointed that missed the action."

       "They'll be plenty of that in the future for him."

       "Hopefully not too much," Ila said.  "Your father was
called to an immediate reconvening of the Council."

       "I know.  Councilor Baltar was called this morning and had
to hurry back."

       "Oh, really?" Ila gave Athena that knowing look of a
mother.

       "I couldn't help it."  Athena felt herself blushing.  "They
shut the building."

       "Of course, dear," Ila smiled.  "It's regrettable that you
and he had your rest day interrupted."


       "Well.I suppose the Council will be busy," Athena said,
trying to not recall the reactions of the rescue personnel who had
greeted her this morning.

       "No doubt they'll have quite a bit to discuss."

       "Or argue over."

       "I see you're becoming quite familiar with Council
procedures."  Ila smiled.



       "The Council was quite impressed with the summaries you
prepared for me," Baltar told Athena in his office a few days
later. Since the Council had developed a sense of urgency, their
daily sessions had been extended and she had had little time to
spend with him other than the mid-day meal breaks.  Even then, he
was obliged to review the morning's business before relaxing for a
moment or two. Athena noticed that he was looking increasingly
tired and his temper was fraying, although not with her.

       "They were?" she asked, sitting at his desk.  He, as
customary, was sitting in his high-backed chair behind the desk.

       "Oh, yes, I think they were surprised to be handed
something that they could actually read," he answered and smiled,
some of his cheerfulness manifesting itself.

       "I tried.  I meant to ask you about something I noticed but
hadn't had the opportunity."

       "What's that?"

       "It seems.well.that the Colonies are having trouble keeping
up with the war.  I mean, it seems that we are having increasing
difficulty maintaining a defense."  Still uncertain, she looked at
him.  He was expressionless until he nodded.

       "Yes, it appears that way," he said carefully.  "However,
we don't have the other side of the equation."

       "The other side of the equation?  What's that?"

       "Can the Cylon Empire maintain their assault at the rates
they have been?"  With one hand, he rubbed his eyes wearily.  "If
so, then, yes, the Colonies have a serious problem."

       "Is there any way the Council can find the answer to this?"
Athena asked, a sense of dread overcoming her.  It was little
wonder that both he and her father were tired and snappish.

       "They're trying," Baltar said, and then gave her an ironic
smile.  "The Cylons are reluctant to open their books to us."

       "But isn't there something the Colonies can do?"

       "The Council is trying.  I guess this is as good a time as
any to tell you."  He hesitated for an instant and looked
unhappy.  "I have to take another trip."

       "Again?  You just came back," Athena said.

       "I'm aware of that, and I certainly don't want to leave you
so soon, but recent events require it."

       "I could go with you," Athena said with a sudden resolve.
"I could pilot your shuttle."

       "No!"  He looked at her, alarmed by her offer.

       "Why not?" Athena asked.  "I'm a trained pilot."

       "Because it could be dangerous."  He took her hand.  "I
don't want anything to happen to you," he said softly.

       "Staying here could be dangerous.  Don't you remember
that?"

       "Yes, I remember, which is why I must undertake this for
the Council."  Athena saw the anxiety and sorrow in his eyes.  "I
want you to have a future - "

       "Don't you mean 'us'?" she interrupted him.

       "Of course, I want us to have a future."  He smiled,
caressing her hand.

       "Then let me be with you as your pilot."

       "Athena, I can't," he whispered, almost pleading with her.
"It will just be for a little while, and after that, I'll resign
from the Council if I must to be with you."

       "You'd resign from the Council for me?" Athena asked,
surprised by his words.

       "Yes, I would and that's only the most trivial of things I
would do for you.  If there's a chance of ending this eternal war,
I must do what I can.  For you, for the Colonies, for the future."


.

THE PAST - Caprica City (continued)




To Athena, Baltar left Caprica all too soon for whatever purpose
the Council demanded of him and unlike his previous absence, the
remaining members of the Council remained in session.  Their work
kept her busy again sorting his missives and summarizing his
reports for nearly a sectar.  As the time dragged on and still he
didn't return, Athena became increasingly worried and fretted over
his safety.

       When she felt ill one day, she also discovered something
else that added to her worry.  So it was a mixture of relief and
trepidation she felt one morning when she was notified that he had
returned to Caprica.

       "Is Councilor Baltar in his office yet?" Athena asked
Tesha.

       "He returned this morning, but had to step out to attend to
something."  Tesha, seated behind her desk in the outer office,
looked up from her work.  "You look worried.  Is anything wrong?"

       "I don't know.  Does your uncle have any children?"

       "My, that's an odd question for this early in the morning."
Tesha's brows rose in surprise.  "He doesn't have any that I know
of."

       "Do you know if he even wants children?" Athena couldn't
help herself.  She had been in state of desperation ever since
that test had read positive.  She really didn't know how he would
react.  It had been an accident, but she had to wonder if it had
been an accident that she had allowed.  She had been so frustrated
with Starbuck's endless delays and evasions that she couldn't be
sure she hadn't somehow unconsciously gotten herself into a
situation in which a man would be forced to commit to her.

       "Why don't you sit down?" Tesha said kindly.  Athena
gratefully sank into a chair next to the desk.

       "Is he in a good mood this morning?" Athena asked.

       "He looked agitated and tired this morning, but he wasn't
ranting.  Well, not much, and it certainly wasn't regarding you.
I think the Council has him annoyed."

       "Then he isn't in a good mood."  Athena bit her lip.

       "Give him a chance." Tesha patted her hand.  "I believe you
might be pleasantly surprised.  He was always kind to me when I
was small."

       "I don't want him to feel obligated or - worse - trapped."

       "So, he is going to be a father." Tesha grinned.


       "No.  Not if he doesn't want to.  It was an accident.   He
shouldn't have to accept the responsibility."

       "Didn't he accept the responsibility when he asked you to
marry him?"

       "But that was between us.  We hadn't even discussed having
a family."

       "I think he rather expects children to be a result when two
people marry."

       "Are you sure?"  Athena asked, becoming more uncertain by
the moment.

       "Look, he knew the consequences when you two.um.you know."

       "That first night we had had far too much ambrosia," Athena
said, "and neither of us was thinking about the consequences, and
after that, well, that line had been crossed." She trailed off.

       "Are you having second thoughts about accepting his
proposal?" Tesha asked.

       "It just has all happened so fast and I don't know
anymore." Athena said.

       "You don't know what?" A familiar lilting voice asked
behind her.  She cringed.  Just how long had he been in the room
and how much had he heard?

       "You've returned." Athena turned in her chair.  He was
closing the outer door to the office.  He did look tired and
aggravated.

       "What have you two been up to?" he asked, waving a handful
of documents.

       "If this is not a good time, I can come back later."

       "Athena, I've missed you."  His expression softened as he
gazed at her.  "I couldn't wait to see you and now you want to
leave without even welcoming me?  Your fianc‚?"

       "I just meant, if you're busy."

       "I'm never too busy not to have a few words with you."  He
smiled and taking her hand, assisted her to her feet.

       "Well, I need to have more than a few words," Athena said,
blushing.

       "Oh?" Intrigued, he tilted his head in that manner that was
becoming familiar to her.  "Well, perhaps then Tesha should
intercept any callers."  He looked over at Tesha who nodded
acknowledgment. They went into his private office and as soon as
the door closed behind them, Athena faced him determined to have
it done with.

       "I'm going to have your baby."

       "Well, of course you are."  He smiled.  "That I'm looking
forward to."

       "You know?" Athena gasped, astonished.

       "Certainly.  That's what usually happens."  He laughed.

       "How do you know?"

       "Hmmm.I think it was my father who told me - "

       "Baltar, I'm pregnant!" she yelped.

       "Huh?...Now?" he asked, stunned.  The documents he held
slipped from his hand onto the floor.

       "Yes.  Now."  Athena looked up at him.  There was an odd
faraway look in his eyes as if he wasn't seeing the present.  He
didn't look upset, yet his preoccupation with his own thoughts was
unsettling.

       "Baltar?" She asked timidly.

       "Hmm. What?"

       "What are you thinking?"  Even if he was angry, she had to
know.

       "I'm thinking I - we - need to redo a room."

       "Room?  What room?"

       "A nursery." He said, grinning.

       "I haven't even seen where you live!"

       "That can be remedied easily."  He bent forward and gave
her a kiss.

       "How can you be so calm?"

       "Athena, I love you."  He pulled her into an embrace and
held her closely.  "I'll admit I would have liked to have had you
all to myself for a few yahrens, but if fate determines otherwise,
I'll accept it.  Sometimes fate's surprises are not undesirable."


       "You don't feel trapped?" Athena asked.  "Or tricked?  I
don't want you to be forced into something you don't want.  It
wouldn't be fair to you."

       "I don't feel trapped," he said, comforting her.  "Even if
it was a trap, I would have gladly walked into your clutches.  No,
that's not true," he laughed softly.  "I would have run eagerly
into your clutches."

       "You're not angry?"

       "No.  Should I be?"

       "I hope not," Athena whispered and rested her head on his
shoulder.  There was still that other matter that she ought to
tell him, but she felt so exhausted that she was content to rest a
moment in his arms.

       "Do you want a baby?" he asked softly

       "It's just all happening so fast."

       "You didn't answer the question."  Only when he brushed his
fingers against her wet cheeks, did she realize she had been
crying.

       "I do," she said, feeling relieved.  "I do want to have a
baby."

       "Mine?" he asked.  Athena looked up into his dark eyes and
again saw that underlying sadness that tempered his apparent light-
heartedness.  She knew then that there was no one else she'd
rather be with. She felt an unspoken connection and understanding
with Baltar.  It was something she had never felt with Starbuck
despite their yahrens of friendship.

       "Yes, I love you," Athena whispered to Baltar.


.

.


[Friends and family of Adama might want to look away...]

PART 8


"It is in the nature of people to turn on their leaders when
they fail to be lucky." - Lord Havelock Vetinari (Jingo)


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_

        "Commander, Doctor Salik is on the comline," Omega
said, turning to Adama.
        "Please, inform him that I am on my way to the Life
Station," Adama said, an irritated expression crossing his
face.  Omega turned back to his console to do so.  He knew
Adama was upset about something, but he could hardly believe
it was Salik.  He wondered if Siress Tinia and the Council
had anything to do with it.  After Adama had exchanged a few
words with Colonel Tigh, Adama left the bridge to Tigh's
supervision.
        Not 10 centons later, Athena entered the bridge.
        "Colonel, have you seen my father?" she asked.
        "I believe he has gone to the Life Station to confer
with Doctor Salik," Tigh answered.  Omega saw a look of
horror appear on her face.  "You needn't worry; he's not
hurt," Tigh added, concerned.  Despite his words, Athena's
agitation did not lessen.
        "Frak!" she swore and dashed out of the bridge.

        While Cassiopeia knew that Adama had spoken briefly
to Doctor Salik regarding Baltar, she was surprised to hear
voices inside the room they had assigned to Baltar.
Intrigued by recognizing one of the voices as Adama's, she
paused by the entry.
        "Why bother?" She heard Baltar snarl.  "Why did you
people even bother to waste medical treatment on me?  And
don't give me any of that `It was the right thing' or `It's
what sets us apart from you' nonsense; you're no different."
        "Perhaps you're right." Adama responded in that
unique deep voice.
        "I never trusted you when you agreed with me and I'm
not about to start now.  I don't want to speak to you; it
hurts to breathe much less bicker with you."
        "There are things that need to be discussed."
        "So why ask me?  You won't listen to me.  You DIDN'T
listen to me on Kobol."  A note of hysteria crept into
Baltar's voice.
        "There wasn't time."
        "I gave you time.  I gave you a chance to salvage
the Council's scheme."
        "It was impossible.  I couldn't take that chance
when another option existed."
        "An option based on a MYTH."
        "There was evidence on Kobol that it was more than a
myth.  You saw it," Adama insisted.
        "Oh, yes, I remember.  Before you left me to rot."
The bitterness was evident in Baltar's reply.
        "I didn't have any choice."
        "You certainly had a choice before the attack.  You
felt it necessary to shut me up, to discredit me."
        "My first priority was to keep the fleet together.
I couldn't afford a political squabble distracting the
fleet."
        "Relying on your military superiority again, but you
were enough of a politician to give your fleet a scapegoat,
someone to blame for the Council's failure - me."
        "I couldn't afford to have people questioning the
military or the Council's authority.  It would have caused
chaos.  You, of all people, should understand that."
        "I can understand it, but excuse me if I don't lIKE
it."
        "For Sagan's sake, you returned on a Cylon
baseship!" Adama's shout caused Cassie to jump.
         "What did you expect me to do?!  WALK?!"  Baltar's
own voice rose.  A trained orator's projection and resonance
vying with Adama's military bark.  Cassie wondered if she
should enter the room, at the very least distracting them.
        "Oh, frak," another voice said.  Cassie turned and
saw Athena hurrying through the outer door into the room.
"I could hear them out in the corridor," Athena said,
stopping next to Cassie.  "I guess that means there hasn't
been blood spilled yet."
        "I don't believe so," Cassie told her.  In the other
room, they could hear Adama's strident voice.
        " - you weren't making sense either then or before
the destruction of the Colonies."
        "What's THAT suppose to mean?" Baltar snapped.
        "You were slipping off to clandestine meetings on
Caprica with someone."
        There was a stunned silence.  Cassie saw Athena's
face go white.  From the other room, Cassie heard a few odd
gasping sounds as if someone was trying to catch his breath.
        "TO MEET ATHENA, YOU IDIOT!" Baltar shrieked.
        "What?" Adama choked.
        "Yes!  Her father and her reluctant flyboy were such
nuisances that it was impossible for me to have an evening
with her alone unless we slipped off to avoid you."
        "She never told me." Adama said, horrified.  Cassie
looked at Athena who seemed paralyzed as she listened to
their conversation.
        "She was afraid to." Baltar said, sounding
exhausted.  "She wanted your approval.  If she couldn't have
that, she at least wanted your acceptance.  Lords, she
didn't even tell ME she was your daughter until just before
the Armistice.  Apparently you scared away any man who came
close enough to speak to her."
        "But not you."
        "By the time she told me, I wasn't letting her go.
By that time, if SHE had asked, I would have walked to your
mythical Earth."
        "Why didn't you say anything?"
        "Adama, credit me with a little intelligence and
empathy." Baltar said, fatigue and sorrow evident in his
voice.  "I couldn't hurt her.  As much as I would have
reveled in your torment, I couldn't hurt her.  I'd have
rather died than cause her harm."
        "Frak, now what do I do?" Adama sounded distracted.
        "Why are you asking me?  You don't care what happens
to me."
        "I care what my daughter thinks.  She would never
forgive me."
        "She is alive!" Baltar yelped, his voice wavering.
"She survived Kobol."
        "Yes."
        "Where is she?"
        "You'd just cause her trouble.  What's the purpose?"
Adama's tone was almost pleading.
        "Adama, the purpose is that I want to speak to my
wife."
        "Your wife?" Adama asked, shocked.  In the other
room, Cassie watched Athena who buried her face in her
hands.
        "Yes, we were married the day before Athena returned
to the Galactica and I left for the Council's final
Armistice negotiations."
        "Why?"
        "It was simple," Baltar said, his voice slipping
into that mocking tone that surely he knew would infuriate
Adama.  Cassie saw Athena look up worried, her face wet with
tears, and step towards the door.  "If something happened to
me on the Council's little trip, I wanted to leave some
provision for the woman I loved and our child."
        "Damn you!" Adama roared. Cassie followed Athena
into the room to see Adama's hands around Baltar's neck.
        "Stop it!  Stop!" Athena pleaded as both she and
Cassie took a hold of Adama and pulled him back.
        "Athena, what are you doing here?"  Both men
chorused, although Baltar choked out the words with his hand
at his throat.  Surprised as they heard each other, they
paused and then exchanged glares.
        "Trying to keep you two from killing each other,"
Cassie said.


THE PAST - Caprica City

         "I'd like to announce to all that the Council has
undertaken negotiations which, if successful, could end the
war," President Adar said at the formal Council banquet held
shortly after Baltar's return.  Adar was standing at the
head of the table and holding a crystal chalice filled with
ambrosia.  An excited and astonished murmur ran through the
guests in the hall.   Athena glanced to one side and was
startled by the reactions of her father and her escort.
Although Adama appeared outwardly pleased, Athena could tell
that his smile was forced.  Her mother, as always, appeared
her gracious self.  Between Ila and Athena, his expression
carefully neutral, Baltar was looking down at the table.
        "I would especially commend Councilor Baltar for his
exceptional efforts in undertaking these negotiations," Adar
continued.  He did not appear to notice the momentary wince
that passed over Baltar's face at the mention of his name.
"When the Armistice treaty is reality and the Colonies
experience peace for the first time in a millennia, I'm sure
you will be remembered by all."
        "I am not deserving of your praise, President,"
Baltar answered, standing and bowing slightly to Adar.  "Any
efforts on my part were entirely at the behest of the
Council."  Athena was concerned by the strain that she could
detect in his manner, the carefully controlled voice, the
slight tremble of his hand, and the tightness at the corners
of his mouth.  She touched his hand and he glanced down at
her, his eyes widening slightly, and then his smile became
the delighted expression she knew as he smiled for her
alone.  "If anyone is remembered," he continued in a lighter
tone, "it should be the entire Council and not one
individual."
        "Your modesty is admirable," Adar said, as Baltar
sank gratefully into his seat.  He grasped Athena's hand and
held it tightly as Adar continued, lifting his chalice.  "I
should think a toast is in order:  To peace."
        The others lifted their ambrosia in return.  After
he had joined the communal toast, Baltar turned to Athena.
        "To the future," he whispered, "our future."
        "Yes," she agreed and giggled.  She stopped when she
noticed her mother watching them with a knowing smile.
        "All this political talk is making me nauseous,"
Baltar said and took another sip of ambrosia.
        "Are you sure you're not having sympathy pains or
something?"
        He raised his brows in astonishment and burst out
laughing, drawing the attention of Ila and others near them.
        "Forgive me," he said to those near.  "My last trip
was very tiring."  There was polite acknowledgement from the
others before they returned to their own concerns.
        For Athena, the rest of the evening passed as if she
were in a dream.  It didn't seem possible that the Colonies'
war with the Cylon would have ever ended, but now there was
the hope that it might actually occur.

         The next morning, reality reasserted itself and
Athena received orders from the Caprican fleet concerning
her present and future assignments.  Upset by her new
orders, she felt she really had to talk to Baltar.  Perhaps
he could do something about the change in her assignment.
        As she walked through the common areas of her home
on her way to the front entrance, her mother, sitting on the
divan and sorting through documents, said in a casual tone:
"When does the baby arrive?"
        "At the end of - " Athena started and then stopped
in her tracks, her orders forgotten.  "How did you know?"
        "I think having had three children myself made me
notice a few things."  Ila looked up and smiled.  "Most
noticeably the giddiness last night of whom I assume is the
father."
        "Are you disappointed?" Athena asked as she sat next
to her mother.
        "Only if you are, my dear.  Of course, your father
always thought it would be Starbuck, but I understand."
        "Does father know?" Athena asked, worried.
        "No, I haven't mentioned it to him."  Ila patted
Athena's hand.  "He's been distracted by other things
lately.  No need to add others."
        "He'll be furious, won't he?"
        "Unfortunately, it appears that would be his most
likely reaction.  You and your - fianc‚? husband? - may want
to break the news to him over a comline."
        "A long one." Despite her anxiety, Athena smiled.
"And after the Armistice."
        "Yes, I think that would be beneficial to your
Councilor's health."
        "I know he's not Starbuck, but he isn't as terrible
as all that."
        "I know, dear," Ila agreed.  "I've tried to tell
your father, but he seems reluctant to consider it.  I'm
hoping that it just the difference in political views and
everyone will calm down once the Armistice becomes a
reality."
        "But I thought it was already decided."
        "I'm afraid it's the nature of politics.  As a
Councilor's wife you'll learn that things are rarely what
they seem."



THE PAST - Caprica City  (continued)

       "Athena, what's wrong?" Baltar asked, looking up from
the console at his large black desk, as she entered his
office.
        "I've been reassigned," she said, handing him a
document and nearly falling into the chair at the desk's
side.
        "The Council session is nearing its end."  He
glanced at the document she had given him.
        "I know, but.things have changed."
        "This states that you're being recalled to duty
aboard the _Galactica_.  Perhaps it's for the best."
        "How can you say that?" she protested.  "Now, of all
times."
        "Athena, it would be temporary."  He set her orders
aside and reached out to take her hand.  "I would feel
better if you were there until after the Armistice
ceremony."
        "Why?"
        "I just have an uneasy feeling.if something should
happen to you."
        "Nothing is going to happen to me.  It's an
Armistice," she said, bewildered by his manner.
        "I know, I know, but I won't be happy until it's
over and done with."  He tightened his hold on her hand.
"If I should lose you.I can't go through that again."  He
shook his head and Athena could see more than sadness in his
eyes, there was the glisten of unshed tears.
        "Then let me be with you," she pleaded.
        "No.not just yet.after,please."
        "I don't understand why you're being so evasive,"
Athena said, standing and abruptly breaking his hold on her
hand.  "I don't understand why you don't trust me."
        "Athena, please.just a little while longer." he
said, looking up at her, imploring her understanding.
        "You sound just like my father!" she snapped.
        "Your father?"
        "Yes, you know him - Adama."  Athena immediately
regretted her words as she saw the horrified shock appear on
Baltar's face.  He sat in stunned silence for a long,
terrible moment and then collapsed over his desk, burying
his face in his hands.
        "Baltar, are you all right?" she asked, her
frustration subsided only to have her earlier fears
resurface.  She leaned over and rested her hand gently on
his shoulder.
        "Adama is your father?" he moaned, an odd tremor in
his voice.
        "Yes."
        "The Caprican Councilor?  That Adama?"
        "Yes.  I'm sorry - "
        "You're sorry?"  He raised his head slightly,
looking up at her.
        "You wouldn't have spoken to me if you had known."
        "That means you're Adama's daughter."  He again
dropped his forehead onto the desktop, covering his eyes
with his hands.  "He's going to kill me."
        "He's not going to kill you," Athena protested.
        "Oh, yes, he is."
        "Now you're talking like every man I've ever known,"
Athena said miserably.  Her tone made him sit up and take
her hand again.
        "I hope not," he said, his voice steadying.
        "Would you have spoken to me if you had known Adama
was my father?"
        "Of course, I would have."
        "The way you did?  Would you have ever danced with
me?"
        "I confess that I might not have been so - shall we
say - `impetuous' when you first came into this office."  He
smiled evidently remembering that day.
        "Is this it then?" Athena asked, anticipating the
inevitable excuses.  There had always been an excuse.
        "Is what it?  I don't understand."
        "Where you decide our relationship can't work,"
Athena said on the verge of tears, edging back from him.
"I'll admit your reasoning is better than most with you
being a Councilor and the political conflict of interest - "
        "No, I won't let you go." His grip on her hand
tightened, restraining her.  His determination was of such
intensity that it frightened her and, yet at the same time,
gratified her.
        "But you said my father was going to kill you."
        "Oh, well, he may when he finds out -  and I assume
I'm still breathing because you haven't mentioned your
present condition to him -  but I won't let a little thing
like your father strangling me to come between us," he said
lightly, standing and coming to her side.
        "Are you insane?"
        "Yes, I am." He laughed.  "Isn't that part of being
madly in love?"
        "You're not going to make excuses?  Avoid me?"
        "If you doubt my sincerity, I'll take you to the
Caprica City civic offices and marry you right now."
        "Now?  Doesn't the Council meet in a centar?"
        "I believe so, but I have time and even if I don't,
the Council can wait for me."
        "You're serious," Athena said, knowing from his
expression that he was.
        "Yes, I am.  You accepted my proposal earlier.  Now
that WE know the terrible secret that Adama is your father,
are you still willing to marry me?"
        "What about a formal ceremony?"
        "There's nothing that says we can't do that later."
He smiled.
        "It's such - " she began, but he cut her off.
        "Are YOU going to let your father dictate our
relationship?" he asked softly.
        "I don't want that to happen."
        "Then, shall we go?" He took her arm and left his
office, saying to Tesha as they passed, "If anyone should
call looking for me, please inform them I'm getting
married."



THE PAST - Caprica City  (continued)

        When they returned to his office a centar later,
they were hand in hand, smiling
        "I take it congratulations are in order," Tesha
said, looking up from her console.
        "You should have seen the look on the clerk's
face."  Athena said to her and giggled.
        "You'd think he had never seen anyone want a
marriage contract," Baltar said merrily, waving a large
envelope that he held in his free hand.
        "How many times does a Councilor from the High
Quorum show up in the middle of the day demanding to be
married?"  Tesha smiled.  "I did take the liberty of sending
them a communiqu‚ that you were on your way.
        "Demand?  I didn't demand, I merely requested his
services," Baltar said.
        "You were pretty insistent when we were there."
Athena tapped his chest with her finger.
        "You didn't want me to be late for the Council's
afternoon session, did you?  After all isn't that part of
your job duties?"  He teased her.
        "About that," Tesha said, "Councilor Adama did call
regarding you're whereabouts."
        "What did you tell him?" Baltar asked.  Athena
froze.
        "That you were attending to a very important
personal matter and that you would return shortly."
        "Thank the Lords," Athena breathed.
        "We're going to have to tell him sometime," Baltar
told her.
        "My mother thinks that we'll get a better reaction
if we what until after the Armistice." Athena said.
        "Siress Ila knows about us?  And the baby?"  He
asked, a bit surprised.
        "Yes, she said you were acting.er.'giddy' the other
night which confirmed her suspicions."
        "And she hasn't mentioned any of this to Adama?"
        "No, she feels that we should.over a comline," she
confessed, and he laughed.
        "Ah, I see that Siress Ila not only shares her
daughter's beauty and kindness, but her intelligence as
well." Baltar nodded, and then handed the envelope to
Athena.  "After the Armistice, you give this to Adama, tell
him he is soon to be a grandfather, and even he can't
countermand long-standing military regulations."
        "Is this why you did this?"
        "No.  I married you because I love you," he said and
gave her a quick kiss.  "However, until you were married,
your father could have just transferred you to some frozen
wasteland on Caprica without regard to where your husband
was located."
        "Perhaps after the Armistice he'll be more
accepting," Athena said.
        "We'll see. Regardless, he'll have to deal with me."
        "Speaking of which," Tesha interrupted, "the Council
is waiting."
        "I suppose you should go," Athena said, pushing him
toward the door.
        "You want to be rid of me so soon?" He laughed.
        "The sooner you go, the sooner you'll return."


PART 9


"I'm really very sorry for you all, but it's an unjust
world, and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical
performances." - The Mikado


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_

        Her thoughts in disarray and her feelings in
turmoil, Athena stepped back as if to escape.  She cared for
both, but was afraid of what the consequences would be if
she intervened further.  One or the other would be hurt by
her preference, would feel rejected.  For the past yahren
she had supported her father who had needed it with Ila gone
and the terrible responsibility he had undertaken on behalf
of the fleet.  On the other hand, she knew that no one would
even consider Baltar as anything other than the most vile
man that had ever lived.  And she was the only one who knew
otherwise.
        They both watched her waiting for her to say
something.  Her father struggled to contain his fury.  Her
husband motionless with despair furrowing his brow.
        Feeling trapped, she took another step back towards
the door.
        "I can't." she whimpered, begging for someone else
to resolve her impasse.  She turned away weeping.
        "Athena, don't leave, please," she heard Baltar
plead.  "Let me explain - "   A crash and dull thud
interrupted his words.  Athena stopped and turned back to
see Baltar on the floor on his hands and knees, the white
medical gown he was wearing askew, falling off one
shoulder.  Without thought, she dashed to him and knelt by
his side.  He was shaking, trying to catch his breath.  She
slipped her arm around his shoulders and he looked up at her
with disbelief in his eyes.
         "Are you.are you hurt?" she asked.
        "I don't think so. I lost my balance," he answered.
He grasped her free hand in one of his, as if needing
physical contact with her.  "I thought you were dead."
        "I.I.talked to you earlier.  Don't you remember?"
        "I thought I was dreaming or was on the verge of
dying."
        Athena recalled that he had been barely conscious
and certainly drugged.  Athena looked over her shoulder to
where her father and Cassie had been standing.  They had
both left the room.  She sighed, resigned to whatever might
happen.
        "Your father does love you," Baltar said, catching
the meaning behind her glance.  "If he has any sense, he
won't fault you for your charity."
        "You think so?"
        "I won't stand between him and you.  Not now.  It
would be unfair to you," he said gently.
        "But what about you?"
        "It doesn't matter.  Your father can take better
care of you.  I can't."
        "No, no, no," she protested.  "You shouldn't have to
suffer anymore for what happened."
         "Athena, how can you say that?  Haven't you heard
what they are saying about me?"
        "Yes, I have.  They don't know you.  They weren't
with you before the Destruction.  They didn't know the
Council was attempting a pre-emptive strike before it was
impossible to do so."
        "I never told you that much," Baltar said, intrigued
by her statement.
        "You didn't have to.  I've had a yahren to figure
out what had been going on from all those Council reports I
read, and remarks you - and my father - made here and
there."
        "Ah, yes, that's right," he said and smiled.  "You
had access to 1/6th of the Council.  Much more than most
people get, even myself."
        "Do you really want to continue this conversation on
the floor?" she asked.
        "I don't care where I continue it as long as it's
with you."  Again he smiled and Athena felt the warmth
rising in her cheeks.
        "But aren't you uncomfortable?"
        "At the moment, it's a shorter distance to the
floor; I'm not sure I can stand," he said.  Although his
shaking had subsided, Athena could feel his unsteadiness.
        "I'll help you back to bed," she said, supporting
him as he stood.
        "You're welcome to join me." He seized the railing
at the top end of the bed.
        "Oh, I see some things haven't changed." She felt
herself blushing as she assisted him back into the Life
Station's bed.
        "I just can't help it when you're with me."  He
laughed with something of the delighted glee she remembered
and now realized she had missed.
        "You know you really had me worried," Athena said,
sitting on the edge of the bed.  Her voice rose in pitch as
she continued. "Do you know how many times I thought you had
been killed?  Besides this last time?
        "No.  I didn't -"
        "There was the Destruction of the Colonies, and then
Kobol.I really didn't know what to think after Kobol."
Athena was relieved to finally be able to talk to someone
who could understand.  "People kept saying you had done
these horrible things.  I just couldn't believe that, but
then I would be monitoring the comline and you were behaving
really strangely.  And you have to admit there were times
that you were rambling on like a madman."
        "Well, I -"
        "But then my father wasn't himself either.  I guess
a lot of us weren't.but I couldn't talk to him because I was
afraid he'd be furious and he had so much on his mind
already, and I couldn't talk to you because if you weren't
dead then you were off on some baseship somewhere or.or..
What's so funny?" Athena finally stopped as Baltar laughed.
        "Forgive me.  I can't keep up."  He shook his head.
        "You think I'm hopeless, don't you?"
        "No, not at all." He reassured her.  "It is all very
confusing at times.  I'm afraid I don't remember much after
Kobol, except for being terrified most of the time."
        "It was confusing and a little terrifying when I'd
get the comline feed and the man I married was on it raving
like a maniac."
        "The man you married?" He asked, tilting his head
slightly.
        "Yes, you." Athena stated as if it was the most
obvious thing in the universe.  "Don't you remember the
ceremony at the civic offices?"
        "I remember that, but I thought that since the
Colonies were destroyed you would have disregarding our
little ceremony.  I really couldn't blame you, or even hold
you to it, if you had decided it was not valid."
        "Is that what you think of me?"
        "I'm just saying that you shouldn't be burdened with
me and my problems after what has happened."
        "I promised you." Athena insisted firmly.  "There
wasn't anything about it being nullified because my husband
was ranting like a maniac."
        "I think that's the sweetest thing you've ever said
to me," Baltar said with an amazed and charmed expression.
        "More than `I love you'."
        "Isn't that what you just said?"  He smiled and then
glanced at the door.  "I think your father needs you now.
Why don't you go and see to him?"
        "But what about you?"
        "I'm not going anywhere; I'll still be here.  Now,
you ought to go."


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued)

        When Athena left his room, Adama and Cassiopeia were
waiting in the outer hall.  Cassie could not help but notice
that Athena was pale and her hand was trembling when she
placed it on the wall to steady herself.
        "Athena, why didn't you say anything?" Adama asked,
surprising gently.
        "I thought you would be angry.you hated him," Athena
whispered faintly.
        "Regardless how I feel about him, I love you.  I
always will.  I wish you had told me."
        "We were.after the Armistice." Tears ran down her
cheeks.  "And then it didn't matter."
        "It did matter," Adama said, embracing her.  "Your
well-being matters to me."
        "Other things were more important.and.and.you didn't
need any more problems.especially with mother gone.and."
Athena's words trailed off.  Cassie saw her eyelashes
flutter and then her knees buckle.
        "Athena?" Adama asked, catching her as she fell.
        Quickly, Cassie assisted Adama in carrying Athena to
an unoccupied room and got her onto an empty bed.  Alerted
by their action, Doctor Salik joined them.
        "Is she all right?" Adama asked Salik as he did an
assessment of Athena's life signs.  Cassie could hear fear
and near panic in Adama's voice.
        "I believe so; it appears she just fainted.
Cassie's told me she's been under a lot of stress lately."
        "For the last yahren," Adama said and sighed.  "Ila
was right."
        "I'm sure Athena will be fine," Cassie said as she
assisted Salik.  She could now understand what Athena had
told her.  At the moment, Adama looked disconcerted and
unsure.  Not something that would lend others to have
confidence in his leadership.  He didn't need more trouble.
        "Commander, I hate to remind you of this, especially
now, but I think Siress Tinia is waiting for you," Salik
said.  On seeing the expression on Adama's face, he added:
"Don't worry about Athena.  We'll look after her."

        "Commander, have you forgotten we had an
appointment?" Siress Tinia asked as Adama entered his
quarters.
        "No.  Unfortunately I was detained by a family
emergency."  He greeted her cordially, having regained his
composure.  He assisted her to a seat at his desk and then
took his own chair.
        "I'm sorry to her that." Tinia's voice softened.  "I
hope it isn't serious."
        "I'm not sure of its severity at the present time."
        "Perhaps I can be of some help?" She rested her hand
on his.  "At the very least provide a sympathetic ear?"
        "It's quite complicated," Adama said and gave a
short laugh.  "But thank you for your offer.  I may need
it."
        "When you need it, I'll be here." Tinia smiled.
        "The Council does not want to hear about my family's
problems."
        "I'm sure they don't, which is why I won't tell
them," Tinia said firmly, but kindly.  "In the meantime,
there is that other matter the Council is concerned about."
        "This was about Baltar, wasn't it?" A weary look
passed over Adama's face.  He really did not want to discuss
this.
        "I don't want to cause you additional aggravation,
but, yes.  Why is he still on the _Galactica_?"
        "I wish I could be rid of the man.  You have no idea
of how much I wish I could be rid of him."
        "Then why can't you?  Although I can understand the
need to bring him to the _Galactica_ for surgery, he ought
to be sufficiently recovered to be returned to the Prison
Barge."
        "Yes, and Doctor Salik has confirmed this, but there
have been a few complications that require additional
attention from _Galactica_ personnel."  Adama did not
specify what kind of attention or which personnel.  Tinia
gave him a questioning look, but did not pursue details.
        "As long as he is on this ship, he is a security
risk."
        "I'm aware of that."
        "Have you forgotten his collaboration with the
Eastern Alliance?  The Nomen?" Tinia asked Adama.
        "No, I haven't."
        "What kind of alliance is he trying to forge even as
we speak?"
        Adama laughed in response to her question.
        "Commander, I do not find any amusement in this
possibility," Tinia scolded him, making her disapproval
known.
        "I apologize, Siress," Adama said almost meekly.
"But I can assure you - and the Council - that he is not
making any new alliances at the moment."



THE PAST - Kobol

        Athena had thought he was dead, killed during the
Cylon onslaught that had decimated the Colonies.  Now, she
had heard that, somehow, Baltar had not only survived but
had arrived on Kobol.
        She pushed aside the tent's entrance flap and saw
Baltar inside sitting alone at a table.  He looked up at
her, astonished by her appearance.  A moment later he was on
his feet and embracing her, kissing her forehead, her cheek,
her lips.
        "Thank the Lords," he gasped and kissed her again.
        "You were right to have me return to the Galactica,"
she said.
        "But so wrong.the Council.I'm afraid we made such a
terrible miscalculation." He tried to explain.  "We thought
we couldn't wait any longer.that we had to try to do
something before it was impossible to do anything.I was sent
to give them misleading information.something went wrong."
        "You can't blame yourself."  Despite her words,
tears blurred her vision and ran down her cheeks.  "There's
always a risk, even if you had decided to do nothing."
        "You're much too charitable." He smiled sadly and
wiped her tears away.  "I really wouldn't blame you and the
survivors if they lynched the remaining Councilors."
        "There's only you and my father."
        "Adar and the others."  He closed his eyes, sighing.
        "I though you had been killed also."
        "Perhaps I should have been - "
        "No!  Don't say that!" she protested.
        "If you think I can salvage anything." He shook his
head, looking defeated and tired.
        "You can't give up.  We can't give up, please," she
begged.
        "I'll try, for you and the baby." He said bravely,
trying to smile but failed when he saw something in her
expression.
        "I had a miscarriage," she whispered.
        "I'm so sorry." He embraced her tightly.  "I never
meant for any of this to happen.  I just wanted."
        "You didn't know.  You can't blame yourself for
attempting to make life better."
        "You're amazing.  Unfortunately others won't see it
that way.  They'll want someone to blame."
        "I'll tell them they're wrong.  We can go back to
the fleet and sort it out.  Just wait here.  I'll be back."
She gave him a quick kiss, and slipped out into the
darkness.  She saw Apollo heading towards the tent and ran
to intercept him.  Her resolve wavered when she saw the look
of fury on his face, made even harsher by the hand torch he
carried.
        "Apollo, don't make any assumptions, please." Athena
said.
        "What are you talking about?" he snapped.
        "Councilor Baltar.  At least, listen to what he has
to say."
        "I don't need to hear anything he says."
        "You have to," Athena pleaded.
        "Don't you have something to attend to?"
        "He was as much a victim as anyone - "
        "Return to your duties, Lieutenant," Apollo barked,
accenting her rank.
        "Yes, Captain," she responded in an icy voice and
fled into the night leaving Baltar to his fate.



[Friends and family of Apollo may want to look away...
A bit more PG-13 stuff ahead...]

PART 10


"Shoot.I am begging you to shoot me!" - Gaius (*NO*
RELATION) Baltar

"Shoot him now! Shoot him now!" - Daffy Duck


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_

        Starbuck enjoyed the routine patrols as it gave him
the feeling of freedom.  He knew it was temporary, even
illusionary, but at least he wasn't restricted to the same
interior of the same ship day after day.  He didn't know how
the civilians coped with it.  Even before the Destruction,
he had heard of people forced into close quarters for long
periods had developing a kind of madness.
        As his thoughts drifted, he scanned his instruments
and the visual space around him.  Apollo's viper was off to
one side keeping pace with his.  He wondered just how much
Apollo knew regarding yesterday's events.  Cassie had
informed him of the confrontation between Adama and Baltar.
It all sounded like one of those sordid serial dramas that
the IFB ran, dramas with storylines that seemed completely
unreal until the bizarreness of real life proved otherwise.
        He wondered how much Apollo knew.  Had Adama
confided in his son?  Had Athena said anything to her
brother?  Now that Starbuck mulled over things, he realized
that there had been a certain distance between Apollo and
Athena.  He had previously dismissed it as due to the
differences in age and career paths, but now he wasn't so
sure.
        Starbuck knew that Apollo was fiercely loyal and
protective of his father, more so since the Destruction.
Apollo had displayed almost irrational anger when faced with
the Council's or almost anyone's questioning of his father's
authority or command of the fleet.  Did he feel that his own
sister was a threat to Adama's position?
          That didn't seem possible as Athena had remained
silent for nearly a yahren, quietly supporting her father
and providing a sense of stability and comfort to him since
the loss of Siress Ila.  It was only now that Starbuck truly
understood and recognized how vital Ila's support had
maintained her husband and family.  Athena was trying to
compensate, to provide that support to her father, even
though it came at a cost to herself.  While Adama's
leadership and unswerving belief sustained the fleet, it was
Athena who was making it possible for him to deal with the
inhuman responsibility.
        And now this precarious balance was breaking down
simply because Athena had been placed in a position where
her loyalties conflicted and could not be reconciled.
        Starbuck knew how easy it had been to defer such a
situation.  He had made excuses to Athena before the
Destruction to avoid dealing with his own conflicts.  He did
care for her, but as he had told Cassie, as something like a
sister and he was afraid of ruining that comfort of having a
family that accepted him with all his flaws if a romance
with her had failed.
        He had to admit to himself though that because
Athena was so available to him, the excitement, the
challenge, and the fun of courting a woman wouldn't have
been present in a romantic relationship.  It was the game,
and the gamble, that motivated him.  It was the thrill of
beating the odds and the challenge of winning the prize.  A
sure bet was boring.
        And now he realized that Adama had tried to motivate
him with the challenge of competition when he had asked him
to visit Athena on Caprica and distract her from Baltar.  It
hadn't worked because even then he knew Athena would have
committed to him that night if he had asked, and not given
Baltar a second thought.
        Baltar hadn't won Athena from him; he had folded his
hand before even really looking at what cards he had been
dealt.
        "Frak," Starbuck muttered, hitting the cockpit
window with his hand.
        "What's wrong?" Apollo's voice came over the
comline.
        "Nothing."
        "It didn't sound like nothing."
        "Trust me.  It was nothing.  I was just thinking
about a losing hand that I could have won."  Starbuck forced
himself to project an air of unconcerned cheerfulness.
        "Athena?"
        "What makes you say that?" Starbuck asked, sensing
something else.  Had Adama said something to Apollo?
        "I thought maybe you and Cassie were having
problems.  She asked me about your relationship with Athena
before the Destruction.  Are you and Athena.?"
        "Hardly."  Starbuck gave a short laugh.  "She's
taken."  As soon as he said it, he knew he shouldn't have.
There was a long silence.  Starbuck wondered just how
serious Athena had been about the threat she had made
earlier.
        "Who is it?"  Apollo asked in a carefully neutral
tone.
        "Don't you know?" Starbuck responded as breezily as
he could.
        "No.  But apparently you do."
        "Er.I'm not sure.  Why don't you ask her?"
        "Because I'm asking you." Apollo said, rage creeping
into his voice.  "It's him, isn't it?"
        "Him?  Him who?" Starbuck knew he was closed to
babbling, but he wasn't going to say the name.
        "The him my father had you try to distract Athena
from on Caprica."
        "Oh.him.uh."  Starbuck was seeking for something to
say when he saw Apollo's viper veer off and change direction
to return to the _Galactica_.  He grabbed his own controls
and followed.  "Apollo, don't.  It won't help matters."
Starbuck said, desperate to prevent things from getting
worse.
        "This needs to be settled once and for all." Apollo
sounded determined.  Starbuck briefly considered if he ought
to try to disable Apollo's viper but then wondered about his
own sanity.


[PG-13 ahead...]

THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued)

        "I missed dancing with you," Athena said to Baltar.
At her father's insistence, she had spent the previous night
resting in one of the small private quarters normally
reserved for visitors to the Galactica.
        "I think I can manage that," he sat up in the bed,
"if you don't mind something slow.  You'll have to excuse my
attire." He referred to the plain, white medical gown.
        "It's not really too different from your Councilor's
robe."  Athena assisted him as he carefully placed his feet
on the floor and stood, a bit unsteadily.  "Are you going to
make it?"
        "I think so, just some momentary dizziness."  Baltar
smiled.  "Your presence always makes me a bit giddy."
        "Is that what happened last time?"
        "No, I was desperate to explain to you what
happened.  I really don't care what others think, but I
didn't want you to think of me that way."  He rested one
hand on her waist and took her hand in the other.  "Although
I don't mind falling for you, it is hard on the knees."  He
gently started the familiar steps that they had done so long
ago together and once again Athena felt that unspoken
connection with him as she followed.
        "Don't leave again," Athena said.
        "I'd really be more trouble to you than I'm worth."
Baltar shook his head.  "I can't let you suffer because of
me."
        "So you want me to suffer alone?  Without you?"
        "I really don't want to cause you any misery at
all."
        "It's too late for that," she stated.
        "And that I will always regret.  I wish I could have
prevented it, but things went so wrong."
        "I know."
        "And that alone must have been a terrible nightmare
for you."
        "At least it's a nightmare we share."  She rested
her head on his shoulder.  "With you, I don't think I'm
going crazy."
        "Is that why your father is fleeing?"
        "What?" Shocked, she looked up at him.
        "He must also agonize over the Destruction of the
Colonies."  He considered that line of thought.
        "He's not a coward - " Athena started to protest.
        "I'm not suggesting that and I'm not condemning his
decision.  Someone had to do it."  Baltar reassured her.
The antagonistic attitude he usually displayed when he
mentioned her father was absent.  "I'm just trying to
understand his decision."
        "He felt he couldn't defend what remained.  That the
best chance of survival was to seek help elsewhere."
        "And he may be right," he agreed.
        "You always seemed so opposed to him," Athena said,
confused by his willingness to concede to Adama's position.
        "Old habits are hard to break."  Baltar grinned and
Athena saw some of the sparkle return to his dark eyes.
"Adama and I may have seemed eternally at odds while on the
Council but I think we both needed it to be that way."
        "But you're not on the Council anymore."
        "Actually.I don't think my term of office has
expired and I'm sure no one had bothered to implement the
required protocols to remove me from the position."  Baltar
laughed and leaned a little closer to her, his voice
dropping to that familiar conspiratorial level.  "And their
little trial or condemnation or whatever they called it was
a joke."
        "You can't mean it!" Athena gasped, nevertheless
visualizing the scenario he was outlining.
        "No, I don't," he said gleefully.  "But it would
have been fun to see the expressions on their faces, now,
wouldn't it?"
        "To say the very least."  Athena agreed, smiling.
        "Ah, that's better.  Your smile always made life
that much better for me."
        "Really?  Then what did this do?" Athena kissed
him.  Baltar stopped in mid-step as she pressed her body
against his.  She heard and felt his breath catch.
        "Made me thank the Lords for allowing me to know
you," he said hoarsely.
        "That's all?"  She gave him a flirtatious look.
        "No.but do you think we ought to - "
        "I remember something my husband once said:  it
would be foolish not to take what enjoyment you can out of
life," she interrupted and again kissed him, lingering this
time.
        "Athena, what if your father walks in?" he asked,
glancing nervously at the doorway.
        "He can watch."

        At the med-tech's station, Cassiopeia looked up from
the medical records she was updating when she heard laughter
from one of the patient's rooms behind her.  While she
hadn't been able to make out words, the rhythm and the tone
of the conversation had given her a good idea of what was
going on.
        She heard other voices at the main entrance.  The
urgency in them made her stand and walk towards them.
        "Apollo, don't," Starbuck pleaded.  "It won't solve
anything."
        "Something has to be done!" Apollo snapped as he
entered the room, followed by Starbuck.
        "Captain," Cassie addressed him, blocking his way,
"our patients are not to be disturbed."
        Apollo stopped, hesitated on seeing the look on
Cassie's face.
        "Come on.let's go," Starbuck caught Apollo's elbow,
trying to pull him back towards the entrance.  "I'll buy.
Several rounds it you want."
        There was a silent standoff as Cassie refused to
give way and Apollo's fury vied with what shreds of rational
thought remained to him.
        Cassie heard a delighted screech from the inner
rooms, and then a man's voice raised in frustration.
"Yargh.it would be easier to just rip the damn uniform off!"
        "Apollo!" Cassie and Starbuck both yelled trying to
catch him as he pushed his way past and bolted for the inner
rooms.
        A sick feeling came over Cassie as she dashed after
Apollo, saw him pulling his sidearm out.

        "It hasn't been that long."  Athena giggled, helping
him with the stuck fastener at the collar of her uniform
tunic.
        "It's been far too long." he murmured and pressed
his lips to her cheek.  "Is this some military secret.ah,
yes."  The stubborn fastener finally gave way and he freed
her throat and shoulders from the obstructing fabric.
Athena felt his fingers slide through her hair, caress the
back of her neck.  As he kissed her shoulders and throat,
she arched her neck backwards surrendering to him.
         "Get away from her!"  A sharp voice commanded.
Athena looked towards the doorway to see Apollo, his face
dark with fury, his gun aimed.
         "No!" Athena shrieked, throwing herself between the
gun and Baltar.  She heard the horribly loud discharge of
the laser pistol, saw the room spin around her, felt the
percussive shock of the bolt as it hit.


PART 11


"Good... Bad... I'm the guy with the gun." - Ash


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_

        "Commander," Omega said suddenly, "there's been a
weapon fired in the Life Station."
        Adama and Omega both looked over to the console
where Athena normally sat.  It was occupied by someone else.
        "Dear Lords, no." Adama breathed and ran from the
command room.  Silently, Tigh watched him go and assumed
control of the bridge.

        Adama heard a woman's hysterical sobbing as the door
to the Life Station slid open, the sound sending cold terror
through him.  He followed the sound and found Cassiopeia
kneeling over Athena who was crouched on the floor, her hair
falling over her face, her hands covered with blood, her
uniform disheveled.
        "Athena, are you hurt?" Adama asked kneeling, trying
to ignore the red stains that marked the floor.
        " - it's my fault - " Athena whimpered.  " - if I
hadn't - hadn't - "
        "You fired?  Why?"
        "No - no - " Her sobbing redoubled, shaking her
whole body.
        "She didn't fire, sir," Cassie said quietly.  Adama
looked to her for an explanation, Athena being too
distraught to make any sense.  However the explanation could
wait.
        "Is there anything you can do for her?" Adama asked
Cassie who nodded and left.
        "Athena, are you hurt?" Adama asked softly, taking
her hands in his.  Her face was wet with tears and streaked
with blood.
        "No," she choked, shaking her head, seeming to quiet
a bit.
        "You didn't shoot?"
        "Apollo - " she started and then broke down again.
Adama reached out and held her as she wept feeling as
helpless to comfort her as on the day of the Destruction of
the Colonies.


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued)

        Starbuck felt odd watching the video of the muted
surveillance recording.  While Salik and Wilker had
forbidden guards, Warriors and Council Security both, on the
grounds it would be disruptive to other patients and Baltar
wasn't going anywhere anyway, they had allowed the
surveillance pickups.
         Now, in Adama's quarters, watching it, Starbuck was
surprised by just how captivating Athena's smile was.  He
also suspected Adama had muted the audio, after hearing
whatever it was that Athena and Baltar had discussed,
reluctant to make that information known to others.
However, it was quite clear by their actions that they were
making up for lost time.  Starbuck felt almost like a voyeur
until Athena and Baltar were interrupted by Apollo.
        On the console screen, Starbuck again watched as
Athena threw herself between Apollo and Baltar, and then
Baltar, without hesitation and using Athena's momentum
turned her away, shielding her from Apollo.  It was as
smooth as any turn Starbuck had seen them execute on the
dance floor on Caprica.  In doing so, Baltar had allowed
himself to take the full force of Apollo's shot knowing
that, barring a miracle, it was certain to be fatal.
        Starbuck again saw the horrified and panicked look
on Athena's face as she realized what had happened.  As
Baltar fell to his knees, taking Athena with him, a dark
stain appeared on the gown he wore, near his right shoulder
and spreading down his back.
        Feeling a twinge of envy, Starbuck realized Baltar
had sacrificed himself to keep Athena from doing the same
for him.  It didn't seem to be a consistent action for a man
thought to have committed treason for his own gain.
        "No, it doesn't,", Adama said, sitting behind the
desk and bringing Starbuck out of his reverie.  He hadn't
realized he had spoken his thoughts aloud.
        "Starbuck, you saw what he was doing to Athena,"
Apollo said, standing next to him.
        "Apollo, the man barely had strength to do more than
stand."  Starbuck turned to Apollo.   "If Athena had wanted,
she could have easily disabled him."
        "Are you saying she welcomed his.his.attentions?"
        "Er.I think it was pretty clear that she encouraged
him." Starbuck said, nodding towards the console screen.
        "How can you say that?"
        "Look, Apollo, you called his bluff and he showed
you his hand.  You may not like it, but you have to at least
accept it."
        "This isn't a game of cards," Apollo said, annoyed
by Starbuck's flippancy.
        "No, it isn't, but he sacrificed himself to protect
her.  You might be able to ignore that, but I can't."
Starbuck was growing irritated by Apollo's refusal to
recognize evidence that clearly indicated otherwise and
getting stuck in one of his righteous ruts.
        "I can't believe you're defending him."
        "Neither can I, to tell the truth," Starbuck said
and shook his head in disbelief.  "But I'm willing to
reconsider a few things."
        "This is what he wants," Apollo said, fervently
seeking to justify his argument.
        "Oh, come on, Apollo." Starbuck retorted.  "He
didn't have time to think, or plot, or anything else other
than to act on what was most important to him at that moment
which, like it or not, was to protect Athena.  I don't need
to add that you provided the threat."
        "I didn't think she was going to - "
        "No, you didn't think," Adama cut him off.  "Your
sister is devastated."
        "Father, if you had seen - " Apollo protested.
        "I have seen it," Adama snapped, waving to the
screen.  "Several times in fact.
        "Did you know she had been that involved with him?"
The look of disgust on Apollo's face was unmistakable.
        "Not until a few days ago."
        "Why didn't she say anything before?"
        "She was afraid of how I would take it.  They were
going to make it public the day after the Armistice," Adama
said.
        "Did mother know?"
        "Yes, I believe Ila knew," Adama sighed, looking
tired.  "You're sister has had to be sedated.  What you did
was inexcusable."
        "Father, I'm sorry, but - " Apollo began.
        "I don't want to hear it," Adama barked, cutting him
off, the fury that every pilot dreaded being the target of
evident in his voice."  Starbuck suddenly wished he could be
somewhere else but had to settle for remaining as still as
possible in an effort to not draw attention to himself.
"You could have killed Athena," Adama continued.  "She's
been through Hades this last yahren, even without your
thoughtless action."
        "We've all been." Apollo's words trailed off under
his father's icy glare.
        "I'm aware of that and aware that your sister has
done all she could to help her family cope with their
personal loses at the expense of her own.  Where were we
when she needed our understanding?"
        "We didn't know.  There where other things that had
to be dealt with."
        "We should have made time for her.  We could have at
least asked," Adama said, exhaustion evident in his voice
and expression.
        "It was Baltar," Apollo persisted.
        "This is not about him," Adama snapped.  "This is
about Athena.  I've already lost too much of my family; I
don't want to lose her also."
        "She wouldn't - not because of him - " Apollo
stammered.
        "No, because of her own family's narrow-mindedness.
Ila was right as she so often was."  Adama appeared defeated
as he lowered his gaze to his desktop.
        Starbuck risked a sideways glance at Apollo who
appeared locked in an internal struggle with himself.
Cassiopeia had been right.  Without Ila, Adama had relied on
Athena's unquestioning support and had subordinated her own
feelings and needs to her father's.  It had allowed Adama to
focus on keeping the fleet together and making the needed
decisions to keep the fleet from descending into bickering
factions.  Starbuck found himself feeling as bad as Adama
looked.  Athena had made efforts to turn to him after the
Destruction, as confused and as in need of friendship as
anyone else, and he had made excuses to avoid her, thinking
it had been something else.  While he had had Cassie and
even Apollo to confide in, Athena must have felt so alone
under the strain to remain silent.
        "Father, you can't blame yourself," Apollo said,
almost timidly.
        "What's past is past," Adama said, looking up with
the resolve of someone who had made a decision and intended
to carry it out.  "I can't change that.  However, I can make
allowances now, hopefully, before it's too late."
        "What are you going to do?"
        "Ask Athena what she wants and then accept it."
Adama stood and walked out of his quarters.
        Apollo started after him but Starbuck seized his
arm, preventing him.
        "Starbuck, he can't," Apollo looked desperate.  "If
he does something like pardon Baltar, it would destroy the
fleet."
        "Apparently the Commander has decided he needs
Athena.  Without her, I think the fleet would be in trouble
anyway."
        "This would give the Council the opportunity they've
been waiting for.  They'll use it against him."
        "Well, I guess you should have had a better aim
then; it would have solved a lot of problems if you had
succeeded in killing Baltar."
        "We can still hope for that," Apollo said bitterly.
        "Yeah.I suppose if you wanted him to stay dead, you
should have shot him where he couldn't receive immediate
medical care."  Starbuck gave him an ironic smirk.
        "That's not funny."
        "Doctor Salik isn't amused either from what Cassie
told me.  Apparently he likes his patients to be healed
before having to patch them together again."
        "It was Baltar."
        "Yeah, we know, but Doctor Salik still takes pride
in his work. You wouldn't like Salik giving up if it had
been you.   He's not looking forward to Siress Tinia
returning to his Life Station and having to explain to her
that he saved Baltar's life again."
        "That man has been granted more lives than a felis,"
Apollo muttered.
        "Well, if you hadn't shot him, Salik wouldn't be
having to - " Starbuck stopped as an idea came to him.
Something else Cassie had mentioned.
        "Starbuck?"  Apollo asked, confused.
        "Um.I've got to talk to Cassie," Starbuck said,
trotted towards the door. He paused and looked back at
Apollo.  "Look, I'd invite you to come along, but I don't
think Salik would be happy to see you at the moment."
Starbuck dashed out the door.  If he hurried, he might be
able to catch up with Commander Adama.


THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued)

        A short time later in Doctor Salik's office in the
Life Station, Starbuck, along with Cassiopeia, Adama, and
Salik, held his breath as Siress Tinia received the news.
        "Baltar is dead?" Tinia asked, looking to Adama.
        "Doctor Salik has shown me the medical records,"
Adama answered.
        "Doctor, you can confirm this?" As her next subject
of inquiry, Tinia turned to Salik.
        "Yes, I can.  His bio-signs ceased yesterday
evening."  Salik handed her hard copies of the medical
equipment's recordings.  They were clearly marked with the
date and time.  Tinia glanced at them, giving particular
attention to the graphical tracings.
        "I note the recordings end quite soon after the bio-
signs fell to the zero-point." She said watching him
closely.
        "As you informed me earlier, there was no reason to
expend further time and resources on the man," Salik said.
        "Yes, I did."  Tinia surveyed the others in the
room, Starbuck and Cassiopeia.
        "We.uh.witnessed the event.  It's hard to survive
being shot with a laser pistol at close range," Starbuck
said at his most ingenuous, bringing every skill he had
honed at the Pyramid table to his effort.
        "I suppose I could ask to see the body," Tinia said
slowly, giving them all careful scrutiny.  "However, as I
have numerous witnesses and no evidence to the contrary, it
seems quite unnecessary."
        "If you feel so," Adama said.
        "Then I shall report as such to the Council." Tinia
said and gave Adama a warm smile.  "I'm sure I will be able
to convince them that further inquiries in this area will
not be necessary."
        "I'm sure you will," Adama replied graciously.  "I
thank you for your understanding in this matter."
        "As a fellow member of the Council, I believe it
beneficial to be able to discuss such matters.  I would be
more than happy to convey to you the Council's reaction to
this turn of events if you would like to meet later.in
private."
        "I would appreciate that, Siress," Adama said, with
a slight inclination of his head.
        "Until then," Tinia said, and left the Life Station.
        "Did she just.?" Starbuck whispered to Cassie.
        "Lieutenant, that is private Council business,"
Adama said, hearing him.
        "Yes, sir," Starbuck answered.  However, he noted a
certain glimmer in Adama's eyes that suggested a shade more
than simple relief.